By Tami Rupe

If you are among the 108 million Americans who drink coffee daily, are you aware of the health benefits and risks of your chosen beverage?  Over the years, around 19,000 studies have looked at the health impact of drinking coffee. And there’s good news–the research shows that coffee is more healthful than harmful.

As far as benefits, coffee is the leading source of disease-fighting antioxidants  in American diets.  Studies have shown that it may boost athletic performance, improve moods, stop headaches as well as reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, liver cancer, dementia, stroke, gall stones, cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson’s disease. An antibacterial compound it contains may even reduce cavities!

On the down side, regular coffee contains caffeine as we all know. The amount consumed in a cup varies based on the bean used, whether it is instant or freshly-ground, the size of the cup and how it is brewed.  We all have different thresholds of tolerance for caffeine.  Most people can tolerate about two cups a day.  More than that may cause nervousness, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, sleeplessness and irritability.  It can even lead to health problems like osteoporosis or high blood pressure.  In addition, if you miss your daily cup of coffee, you may get a caffeine withdrawal headache.

A cup of coffee alone won’t break your budget—both in calories and cost.  However, once you start adding the extras, it can get pretty expensive and high-calorie. Of course, Starbucks has made a great reputation and a lot of money on this practice. Adding flavored creamers, half and half, sugar and all the fancy syrups and whipped cream can add up to 570 calories per cup and can cost as much as five bucks.

A couple more setbacks from coffee are on your bladder and your heartburn.  Caffeine is a mild diuretic and should have the same effects as drinking large amounts of water.  Both regular and decaffeinated coffees also contain acids that make heartburn worse.

So continue to drink up, just keep your intake moderate and take all these considerations into account.  If you experience palpitations, rapid heartbeat or headache, slow down or talk to your doctor.

Adapted from WebMD articles