We all hear the same questions and misleading information out there regarding if coffee is really good or bad for you. I don’t know about you, but I love my coffee. Especially since I have been in my dietetic internship it has been a life saver and a great pick me up.

I usually do only 2 cups of coffee twice per day. I have one cup in the morning and one in the afternoon as a pick me up. My ideal cup of coffee is simple, and straight black. I sometimes will add a little bit of almond milk for calcium. I think some people don’t realize that research shows that coffee has health benefits. It only becomes unhealthy when we add tons of sugar, and flavorings/syrups to it, (yup, I admit those guilt trips to Starbucks getting my favorite, my raspberry vanilla soy latte, but hey once in awhile is okay!).

According to an article published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommended at no more than 3-4 cups of coffee per day. Evidence shows that that health benefits coffee has include lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and some cancers. Also, coffee contains small traces of nutrients such as potassium, niacin and magnesium. Certain groups, such as people with hypertension and the elderly, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of caffeine. Pregnant and breast-feeding women will want to limit intake to a maximum of 200 to 300 milligrams a day of caffeine (the amount in 2 to 3 cups of coffee). The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women cap caffeine consumption at 200 milligrams a day.

So stay calm and grab that cup of joe!