If coffee is good or bad for your health is a topic that’s divided into an equal number of ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ The caffeine in coffee can trigger migraines, headaches, and high blood pressure. People who are addicted to coffee can become restless and be less productive at work. Too much coffee can cause diarrhea, heartburn, confusion, arrhythmia, etc. 

If you stop drinking coffee suddenly, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms like body pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, lack of concentration, dull mood, irritability, and even tremors. There are ways to maximize the benefits and reduce the side effects of coffee. Try these eight ways to make coffee healthy.

1. Stick to pure coffee
Pure black coffee can increase liver health, reduce the risk of diseases related to the brain, and increase life expectancy. Authentic studies show it also reduces the risk of cancer, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. The problem arises when you add synthetic flavors and artificial flavor additives like creamers, sweeteners, and toppings.

2. Add natural flavors
If pure black coffee is not palatable, you can add natural flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, lavender, cayenne, cocoa, coconut oil, or maple syrup to your coffee. These can add flavor and also add health benefits to your coffee. If you use ground coffee, you can add the flavors while brewing for better taste and health.

3. Discard artificial sweeteners
If you have not yet tried coffee with coconut sugar or ginger-flavored cane sugar, start now. They are natural and can reduce heartburn. It is better to drink sugar-less coffee than to add synthetic artificial sugars and sweeteners. When you order your coffee in a café, develop a habit of requesting less or no creamer, syrup, or sweetener.

4. Try plant-based milk
Replace rich cream and milk with plant-based milk like soy milk, groundnut milk, or almond milk to increase taste and make your coffee healthy.

5. Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach
Acidity is one of the immediate impacts of drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Have it with a cookie or a cracker in the morning. If you are craving a coffee at the office or at home, drink decaf after lunch instead of having just a cup of coffee.

6. Choose your coffee brand wisely
Read the labels in your coffee and select a brand that contains less caffeine and chicory. 400 milligrams of caffeine is ideal for an adult, and you can get that from four cups of brewed coffee. Instant coffee has acrylamide two times, a compound that forms when coffee beans are roasted. Acrylamide is linked with the risk of cancer. Ground coffee that is brewed may be lighter and is fresh.

7. Keep your measuring cup and spoon ready
The right measurements can not only make your coffee taste better but can also add to its health benefits. Too much milk, cream, or sugar can subdue the coffee’s flavor and contribute to weight gain.

8. No coffee after 10.00 pm
No coffee after 10.00 pm could be the toughest hurdle you need to cross. If you still feel like a coffee, have decaf coffee instead.