Some people say that’s because of a caffeine addiction, but I think it goes beyond caffeine. Drinking coffee is such an enjoyable experience. Think about it, the aroma of the beans, the warm feeling on your hands when holding your cup, the delicious taste of your first sip, the quiet “me time” you get as you enjoy your delightful brew…

More than that, coffee brings people together, from families drinking coffee at the table, to friends gathering around to have a good conversation.

But, is coffee even healthy for you?

I frequently get asked these two questions.

“Do I have to give up coffee?” “Is coffee really that bad for me?”

Coffee is not unhealthy, but the way you consume it can be.

Research shows that coffee is not bad for you, in fact it may even have some health benefits when consumed “the right way.”

Now, let’s clarify which types of coffee are unhealthy: cinnamon dolce lattes, caramel frappuccinos, and coffee with half and half, creamer, and sugar. These coffee drinks contain high amounts of sugar, empty calories, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats.

According to many different studies, a healthy cup of coffee can protect against Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Coffee can also help you lighten your mood and improve brain function.
Coffee also has antioxidants, something we absolutely need more of in our diet.

Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules in your body. Antioxidants help our bodies prevent disease, slow down the aging process, repair cellular damage, and maintain good health. You are not going to believe this, but in the standard “American diet,” coffee is the number one source of antioxidants. Our antioxidant intake should not be primarily coming from your coffee!

So, to coffee or not to coffee?

If you can follow this easy-to-implement steps to keep your coffee and yourself healthy, then give yourself permission to enjoy a warm and buttery cup of coffee.

1. One 12-ounce cup of coffee a day


If you drink more than one cup you can find yourself getting easily irritable throughout the day or not sleeping well at night.

2. Coffee should always be organic

Coffee is the most heavily pesticide-sprayed crop in the world. You don’t want those toxins entering your body.

3. Drink coffee for pleasure and not for energy

Relying on coffee to stay awake will overwhelm your adrenal glands and your hormones. If you depend on coffee to function then you need to switch from a “coffee break” to a “brake from coffee.” You can always substitute your cup of coffee for a cup of green tea if you need to.

4. Use purified water

Your coffee will not only taste better, it will be free of contaminants that are present in tap water.

5. Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners

If you enjoy your coffee on the sweeter side, try a drop of liquid organic stevia, vanilla extract, raw honey, or even a splash of almond milk. I drink mine with almond milk and cinnamon. These are healthier alternatives to make your coffee taste delicious. Please stay away from artificial sweeteners, unless they are recommended by your doctor due to health conditions.

6. Break the coffee habit

Take a few days off of coffee to avoid dependency. You can always substitute your cup of coffee for a cup of green tea or adaptogens.

I’m not advocating that you drink coffee. I do, however, want you to be informed of what good coffee is and isn’t so you can make the best decisions for your health.

Yours in Health,

Janise