It’s not as hard as you might think.

Black Coffee Is Your Friend

We’ve already alluded to one of the healthiest things you can do to ensure your coffee provides maximum benefit: drink it black (or opt for espresso instead).

Yes, going dairy-free and sugar-free may take some getting used to, and it’s not ideal for those used to getting their fix from fancy coffee drinks. But you can develop a taste for black coffee – and you won’t be adding any fat, sugar or carbs to your cup. (Incidentally, instant coffee provides almost all of the same benefits as brewed coffee as long as you drink it black.)

Would you like sugar? No, thanks.

If black coffee isn’t your thing, there are healthier substitutes that are better for you than the traditional teaspoon or packet of sugar.

There are about five grams of carbs and 20 calories in a teaspoon of sugar, but they add up quickly. What’s worse is that table sugar is mostly fructose, so added sugar dramatically increases blood sugar. In short, eating lots of the white stuff (and brown sugar, too) is linked to issues like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

The natural sweeteners stevia and monk fruit extract are better choices because they contains no calories, no carbs, and don’t affect blood sugar. Make sure you’re using 100% extract; many stevia and monk fruit products include other natural sweeteners like xylitol, which do contain some carbs and calories.

Skip artificial zero-calorie or low-calorie sweeteners, which can actually lead to weight gain.

You might consider other healthy sugar substitutes as well. Honey and maple syrup are natural and will add their own health benefits, but they also are high in carbs and calories. Better alternatives are flavorings like cinnamon and unsweetened cocoa powder (or dark chocolate) because they each bring additional health benefits to the table.

Use those last two in moderation, because they each contain carbs and calories. However, cinnamon may stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation, and dark chocolate is said to help improve cholesterol levels. Besides, who would be opposed to coffee that tastes like a mocha?

How about milk?

Milk does contain nutrients, of course, and it can help provide the calcium that caffeine may slowly leech from bones. Nut milks are healthier choices, though.

For example, almond milk is lower in calories and provides additional vitamins; oat milk has about the same number of calories as cow milk but fewer carbs and a lot more fiber, good for reducing cholesterol. Coconut milk is vitamin-rich, but its high saturated fat content isn’t ideal for those with heart concerns.

The taste of nut milk will affect the taste of your coffee, but it’s a nice alternative to dairy milk. If you’re going to stick with “real” milk, the healthiest choice is grass-fed. Stay away from non-dairy coffee creamers, though, because they often contain unhealthy trans fats, sugar, and/or corn syrup which are bad for weight control and cholesterol levels.

Your Barista Isn’t Always Your Best Friend

If you’re used to stopping by Starbucks for your morning brew – or a mid-day treat – be careful. Unless you stick with espresso (or regular black coffee) the barista will probably be adding ingredients loaded with sugar. Those calories and carbs add up quickly and can contribute to a greater risk of dying from heart disease.

Here’s one comparison: a grande caramel frappuccino contains 380 calories, 16 grams of fat (half of it saturated), and 54 grams of sugar; black coffee contains no fat, no sugar and five calories. Even a Coke (190 calories, 52 grams of sugar) is better for you.

Make Smart Choices at Home

If you enjoy brewing your own coffee at home, or if you like the cost savings and convenience home brewing provides, there are three easy ways to boost your brew’s health benefits.

• Use organic beans, which contain no hazardous chemicals or pesticides.
• Stick with light roast, which doesn’t burn off as much of the beans’ healthy chlorogenic acids.
• Use a paper filter, which lets “good” antioxidants in coffee pass through but blocks cafestol, a diterpene that can increase cholesterol levels.

Other Tips for Keeping Your Coffee Healthy

• Be wary of bulletproof coffee, which is black coffee with added butter and MCT oil and has become popular among keto dieters. It’s not a good overall health choice because of its high levels of saturated fat and high cholesterol content. Healthy is better than trendy.
• Dietitians and nutritionists say adding nutritional supplements like plant proteins or collagen into coffee can be a good way for those who don’t eat breakfast to add protein to their diet – but it’s not an acceptable substitute for a balanced, healthy diet.

There’s no need to spend a lot of time detailing the possible effects of consuming too much caffeine. You already know them.

Difficulty sleeping and increased anxiety immediately come to mind. Drinking coffee – or any other caffeinated beverage – can also lead to a short-term increase in blood pressure. However, after a few experiences with the jitters caused by caffeine over-consumption, it’s relatively easy to figure out your body’s tolerance level and to stay below it.

Three groups of people may be exceptions to the benign effects of coffee.

1. Contrary to popular belief, coffee doesn’t cause heartburn or GERD. However, its caffeine does increase the stomach’s natural production of acid – and increased acidity can cause issues for those with existing acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, particularly on an empty stomach. Decaf or cold brew are better choices because they’re less acidic.
2. Pregnant women may have more trouble getting pregnant or carrying to term if they drink a lot of coffee. Sticking to decaffeinated coffee is a good idea for them too.
3. Heavy coffee drinkers can become addicted to the caffeine in coffee and develop a complete tolerance to it, meaning they may go through withdrawal if they don’t get their “fix.” Tapering down consumption can solve that problem.

There’s one final coffee myth to debunk.

It’s true that caffeine may slightly reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium, and alarmists suggest that could lead to bone loss.

The effect is so small, however, that it won’t harm anyone who gets a decent amount of calcium from their regular diet. What about those who don’t get enough calcium? Just adding a little milk to coffee can eliminate any potential issue.