Despite decades of research, moderate coffee intake (ie 4x 250mL cups) has shown no known adverse health effects*. The perks? Coffee stimulates your nervous system warding off drowsiness, increasing mental alertness and enhancing performance. And it has no calories.

Here are some tips to percolate on:

• Drinking more than you realize? One “tall” coffee (750mL) at most coffee shops is equivalent to 3 cups (250mL)
• Some specialty coffees can pack in the calories. Choose a 500mL skimmed milk latte over the same size caffe mocha (made with whole milk and whipped cream) and save 360 calories.
• Caffeine may leach calcium from your bones. Add a tablespoon of milk to counter this effect
• Too much can cause the jitters or “coffee nerves” – you be the judge
• Remember, caffeine is found in strong tea, colas, chocolate and some cold medications
• There are no known adverse effects to decaffeinated coffee.
• Rapid caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches. If you plan to cut back, do it gradually
  
  *unless you are pregnant or have been advised by your health professional to limit it for other reasons.