Caffeine is the only thing that makes most people feel alive in the mornings. There is nothing a cup of coffee or tea or matcha latte cannot fix in the morning. Haven’t you had enough sleep? Feel too lazy to go to work? Are you tired after your morning workout? The solution to all these answers is a cup of caffeinated drink. It will make you feel more alert and equip you with the energy to power through the day. But is caffeine healthy? Or are you harming your health in the process?

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Coffee, specifically, has many health benefits. According to researchers at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, it contains loads of antioxidants that help reduce your risk of developing diseases and helps fight internal inflammation. Other studies also provide evidence that those who drink coffee are less likely to die from coronary heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Moreover, regular and decaf coffee has a protective effect on the liver, protecting it from a plethora of diseases. This is because coffee ensures that liver enzymes remain within the normal range.

Coffee also reduces the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that women aged 65 and older who drink two to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. However, excess amounts of coffee can be detrimental to your health. So how much coffee is the right amount of coffee? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is safe for the average woman to drink three to five cups of coffee. These cups contain a maximum intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine. Any more than this can cause a spike in anxiety levels and an increase in heartbeat. You may also get increased blood pressure and have trouble falling asleep.