Coffee provides more than a daily pick-me-up; studies have also linked it with numerous health advantages including lower risks of diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, antioxidant properties and polyphenol content that acts as natural anti-inflammatories. But certain factors can thwart its beneficial properties – many easily avoidable ones!

The American Medical Association (AMA) cautions that too much caffeine consumption can cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia and jitteriness for some individuals; those with sensitive stomachs should refrain from drinking caffeine altogether, though most often moderate consumption of coffee, green tea and iced coffee is safe to enjoy.

Filtered coffee preparation offers the healthiest alternative as it prevents harmful roasted chemicals from leaching into your drink and polluting its flavor.

Additional factors that can influence the healthiness of your cup include your choice of coffee bean and the way in which it’s prepared. Lighter roasts have lower acidity levels than darker varieties; and how you grind the beans makes a significant difference as well.

Care should also be taken when adding sugar to your coffee. While studies show that drinking small amounts, up to one spoonful, may help regulate blood sugar levels, too much added makes your beverage less healthy. If you enjoy adding sweetness with your cup of joe, consider selecting unsweetened plant-based milks instead of traditional dairy creamers; these will provide creamy textures without added sugars or saturated fats.

Finally, avoid reheating your coffee. Though warm coffee may taste wonderful, reheating can increase its acidity levels and lead to heartburn or erosion of tooth enamel. If necessary, consider sweetening with low-sugar sweeteners like Stevia or Honey for the best experience.

Other advantages of drinking coffee include its ability to promote healthy gut bacteria and strengthen your immune system. This is made possible thanks to natural stimulants like theophylline and paraxanthine which act as natural stimulants and act as adenosine receptor antagonists; plus antioxidant phenolic compounds which work as natural preventives against cancer as well as lower blood pressure.