About half the U.S. adult population drinks coffee daily. Ask any regular coffee-drinker about coffee and they will attest to the adrenaline-raising caffeine of the powerful beverage. The question is:  Is it good for you?

Over the years, people have questioned the health benefits of coffee and even have blamed it for causing growth stunts, cancer and heart attacks. With wore than 400 billion cups of coffee consumed each year, worldwide java drinkers will be happy to know their favorite brew actually may have some health benefits.

Coffee has health benefits

Although many previous studies attribute coffee’s health effects to caffeine, experts now state other compounds in the such as antioxidants and phytochemicals may play a larger role in providing its health benefits, including these:

• Minimizing tooth decay
• Reducing the risk of kidney stones
• Reducing risk of Parkinson’s disease
• Reducing risk of liver disease

But coffee isn’t perfect...

Although it has some great health benefits, coffee isn’t perfect. It can cause sleeplessness, jitters and digestive system irritation. While it doesn’t cause heart problems, it can worsen a pre-existing condition. People with high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia or slow caffeine metabolism should avoid it. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should limit coffee to two cups or less per day.