Wine and green tea tend to get all of the publicity for being nutritious beverages, but coffee stands its ground as one of the healthiest beverages around. Numerous studies have demonstrated its potential in helping prevent serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease depression and Alzheimer’s. A recent Annals of Internal Medicine study even found that people who consumed 1.5 to 4.5 cups a day, even with sugar added, had up to 30% less risk of dying over seven years than non-coffee drinkers.

Coffee contains antioxidants that may lower your risk of chronic diseases and boost metabolism, as well as caffeine to elevate mood, sharpen focus, and increase energy levels. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid found in coffee beans has been proven to prevent absorption of fat while inhibiting enzymes responsible for abnormal heart rhythms. Caffeine may even help protect against liver disorders like cancer and cirrhosis.

However, excessive coffee intake may result in adverse side effects such as anxiety and insomnia, stomach irritation and spikes in blood pressure. Furthermore, drinking too much coffee could contribute to weight gain due to its high amounts of fat and sugar content; to limit calories taken in, and ensure maximum enjoyment from this beverage it’s best to combine your coffee consumption with energy drinks or soda consumption.

The optimal coffee for health is black, hot-brewed and unsweetened. One cup of black coffee provides no carbs, fat or sodium compared to adding milk or sugar; additionally, adding milk can increase caloric intake by 250 per serving! For optimal results it’s wise to drink your coffee with food as this will help metabolize caffeine and sugar more effectively.

The best way for you to enjoy coffee depends on your individual needs, such as any dietary restrictions you may have. For instance, those suffering from acid reflux should choose light roasts or decaffeinated varieties for best results. For those trying to reduce sugar intake, there are options such as stevia which does not contain artificial ingredients or added sugars. Also try to limit high-fat, sweetened coffee as this will add additional calories and sugars into your diet. If you are sensitive to caffeine, limit yourself to no more than two or three cups a day of this stimulating beverage. Furthermore, try and steer clear of flavored coffees and espresso drinks which could contain additives that could irritate your stomach. As these sweeteners contain unhealthy trans fats, it’s wise to limit their use. Additionally, coffee with high concentrations of ground beans may be more acidic and lead to indigestion issues.