No matter whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a coffee shop for sale or simply an everyday consumer, you might be amazed to learn that your morning drink offers much more than a simple boost of caffeine. While not exactly a superfood, research continues to demonstrate that moderate coffee intake is safe and can keep us alert and productive during our daily lives. And its reputation for healthiness may extend further than just caffeine alone–its plant chemicals called polyphenols may have additional health-promoting properties as well.

Coffee can be an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants if prepared carefully and consumed without adding sugar – however many studies on its beneficial properties remain observational and do not establish cause and effect, therefore drinking it in moderation while limiting added sugar can provide significant health benefits – this is especially important if trying to lose weight, have high blood pressure or are pregnant.

Finding the optimal cup of coffee involves selecting an excellent bean and roast type; lighter roasts tend to contain higher levels of polyphenols that protect against inflammation and cell damage, while those grown at high altitude such as Central or South American varieties provide additional antioxidant support.

Choose filter coffee with hot water instead of tap or filtered, as boiling can damage some beneficial compounds found in it. Also make sure that only black coffee is consumed; milk, cream and sugar reduce its effectiveness when it comes to improving mental and physical performance.

For optimal results, it is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers consume four to five 8-ounce cups of coffee daily–which falls well within FDA limits for daily caffeine intake. According to NHS, two 8-ounce cups are enough to prevent miscarriage and low birth rates during gestation/breastfeeding.

Even though coffee has come and gone from the “healthy” list over time, it appears to be here to stay–if you make smart choices when brewing and what goes into your cup. Keep in mind, however, that each person is unique so what might be considered healthy choices for one may not apply equally to another; when making changes consider how these habits impact your health before making decisions. Likewise don’t forget other beverages like tea, water and fruit as options to add variety into your routine!