Are You an Early Morning Coffee Drinker? Coffee has long been touted for providing energy and improving mental performance, yet few realize its health benefits extend well beyond these goals. Not only can coffee help prevent heart disease and diabetes while protecting against depression and Parkinson’s disease – it may even prevent kidney stones or keep an aging brain healthy! Plus it helps you burn fat faster as it contains polyphenols (compounds with powerful anti-inflammatory effects found in dark chocolate, green tea and red wine), which have anti-oxidative benefits as well.

Coffee benefits relating to heart disease are numerous, with studies showing the more you drink the lower your chances of cholesterol and blood pressure issues are. People who consumed two to three unsweetened coffee cups per day without added sugar had 21% fewer instances of heart failure compared with those who never consumed coffee1.1

Coffee also helps your liver stay healthy. If you suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drinking four or more cups a day of coffee could help alleviate its symptoms by providing caffeine boost to increase liver function and decrease fat build-up in your liver.

If you suffer from disabling neurological condition Multiple Sclerosis, drinking several cups of coffee a day could reduce your risk by helping prevent inflammation that leads to the condition. Research indicates that caffeine inhibits production of pro-inflammatory proteins which damage nerve cells and lead to MS.

However, if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease, the optimal way to drink coffee would be unsweetened, decaffeinated varieties. Keep in mind that coffee may interact with medications, so it is wise to consult your physician about the appropriate amount. A registered dietitian can also be invaluable in helping to determine how much coffee is safe for you. Your doctor can also recommend ways to reduce caffeine intake, such as cutting back by one cup daily or mixing regular with decaf beverages to maximize all its healthful properties without experiencing its downsides. Most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams per day of caffeine. Consider all sources of caffeine such as tea, cocoa, energy drinks and cola when making this decision; pregnant women should consult their physician regarding safe daily intake levels for caffeine consumption.