Your morning cup of joe may have an unfavorable reputation as being unhealthy, but research demonstrates it can actually be quite beneficial to health. According to an Annals of Internal Medicine 2022 study, those who drink coffee — even when sweetened with sugar — were 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who didn’t drink coffee at all!

But to enjoy a healthful cup of java, what matters is what goes in and alongside the drink. Too much sugar, cream or calories could turn a potentially nutritious drink into something not-so-healthy if filled with them – so if you want to make your coffee healthier try these tips and tricks to maximize its health benefits.

No matter how you drink your coffee, aim to limit your daily caffeine consumption to one or two cups at most. Any more may cause unpleasant side effects like jitteriness and an increase in blood pressure.

Make your own coffee at home to ensure maximum control of how much sugar and fat goes into it. This way, you’ll have full oversight over what goes into each cup!

If you do need to add sweetness to your coffee, look for natural solutions such as stevia or honey instead of processed products with excessive sugar content and unknown long-term consequences such as nondairy milks. These processed options tend to be highly processed with little data on their long-term impact.

Spices or herbs can add another delicious way to flavor your coffee without overusing sugar. Cinnamon, for instance, has been found to reduce diabetic blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels according to research. You can add cinnamon directly into your coffee grounds prior to brewing or sprinkle some on top just before sipping.

Finally, it’s essential that you sip your coffee slowly. Drinking too quickly can cause sudden caffeine withdrawal symptoms like jitters or anxiety; drinking it slowly allows your body to gradually process its constituents while helping prevent dehydration as you sip on your beverage of choice.