I’m a Nutritionist—Here’s How I Drink Coffee for Health: Drinking Coffee Strategically Makes All the Difference

Epoch Times ^ | 12/30/2025 | Sheridan Genrich

[SeekAndFind]

As a nutritionist, I enjoy coffee for more than its aroma and morning lift.

Recent research highlights that coffee, when taken strategically, can slow biological aging, protect the heart, reduce diabetes risk, and even support gut health. Here’s the crucial factor: Benefits largely depend on how you drink it and the type you choose.

More Than a Pick-Me-Up

Most people reach for coffee as a way to ease into the day, however, science now confirms that coffee’s reach extends far beyond boosting alertness. Regular coffee drinkers—by applying particular restraints—can lower the risk of disease.

A recent National Health study on more than 2000 adults over 60 showed that those who drank high amounts of brewed coffee —equal to or more than two cups per day—had 42 percent lower odds of poor cognitive performance compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study suggests coffee drinking protects against cognitive decline by reducing oxidative damage to brain cells (neurons).

Coffee may also influence neurotransmitter balance, which is crucial for maintaining memory and thinking skills as people age.

Coffee polyphenols, in particular, have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce Type 2 diabetes risk in a recent metabolic review, while additional research from CND Life Sciences linked coffee consumption to a lowered incidence of Parkinson’s disease, reinforcing both its metabolic and neuroprotective effects.

A meta-analysis on 40 studies with more than 3.8 million subjects and found that drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day was linked to a significantly lower risk of death from all causes, emphasizing its potential role in supporting long-term health across diverse populations.

The foundation of these benefits lies in coffee’s bioactive compounds. Chlorogenic acids are the active polyphenols that research shows can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation while boosting nitric oxide, which enhances blood flow to improve vascular function and supports brain function for better cognition.

My Guidelines for Coffee and Longevity

Over time, I’ve refined a practical framework for drinking coffee to maximize its benefits.

• Timing Is Everything: Coffee boosts metabolism and cardiovascular health best when consumed in the morning. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that morning coffee drinkers had a significantly lower risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular disease compared to people who drank coffee throughout the day or did not drink coffee at all. This emphasizes the importance of timing for coffee for these health benefits. I recommend finishing all caffeine eight to 10 hours before bed, not only because it supports your energy cycle but also because research shows morning-only intake aligns with circadian biology. Drinking coffee late into the afternoon can disrupt sleep, which in turn undercuts coffee’s long-term health gains.

• Stay in the Sweet Spot: The volume of of two to four cups per day repeatedly shows up in epidemiological studies as offering maximum health benefits without tipping into sleep disruption, anxiety, or elevated blood pressure. For espresso lovers, one cup with two shots contains about 126 milligrams of caffeine—a helpful reference for adults aiming to stay within the upper daily limit of 400 milligrams (though some tolerate much less)—best enjoyed before noon to prevent sleep disruption.

• Filtered Coffee Protects the Heart: Brewing method matters. Studies confirm that unfiltered coffee such as French press and espresso contains diterpenes, compounds that can increase cholesterol. Filtered pour-over or drip methods remove these compounds while preserving antioxidants.

• Go Black–or Nearly: Black coffee maintains the highest antioxidant load. If you want to soften bitterness, unsweetened non-dairy milks such as soy, oat, or almond preserve more polyphenol bioavailability compared to cow’s milk. A 2023 study reported that dairy can reduce polyphenol absorption by approximately 30 percent. Personally, I still add a dash of organic milk on occasion—the enjoyment outweighs the modest nutritional tradeoff. Interestingly, some research also suggests milk proteins may enhance coffee’s anti-inflammatory effects, so there’s nuance here.

• Avoid Added Sugars: Sugar and sweet syrups, can undermine coffee’s health benefits by spiking blood sugar and promoting weight gain. Monk fruit and stevia are among the safest natural sweeteners to use in coffee, as they are zero-calorie, do not raise blood sugar levels, and are generally well tolerated. Both are suitable options for people managing diabetes though some people may have a preference based on taste or mild digestive sensitivity. A touch of honey may suit some people, if they have a healthy metabolism.

• Freshness Amplifies Health Benefits: Antioxidant potency decreases as beans stale. I always choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans, stored in airtight containers, to lock in more of the bioactive power alongside better flavor. Freshly roasted beans are best used within two to four weeks when stored airtight, away from light and heat.

No single recommendation fits everyone. That’s especially true for caffeine metabolism, which varies significantly due to genetics. A 2024 analysis highlighted how variants of the CYP1A2 gene determine whether someone metabolizes caffeine quickly or slowly.

Fast metabolizers typically handle two to four cups per day without issue and often even see cardiovascular benefit.

Slow metabolizers may experience anxiety, palpitations, or disrupted sleep even at low doses, and in some studies, excessive caffeine raised the risk of hypertension in this group.

If you know you’re a slow metabolizer, stick to just one morning cup and avoid caffeine after midday. For sensitive people, opt for high-quality decaf, freshly brewed using the freshest beans stored in airtight containers to preserve antioxidants and flavor. Limit added sugar and artificial ingredients, and enjoy coffee in moderation for optimal effects. Decaf is often a good choice, as it still provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits—and many of the longevity effects—without overstimulating the nervous system.

Groups who should limit or avoid coffee include:

People with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular arrhythmias, where caffeine may elevate risk.

Those with severe anxiety or panic disorders, since stimulants can exacerbate symptoms

People with epilepsy, where caffeine may increase excitability.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, since caffeine crosses into a developing fetus and metabolism of caffeine is also slowed during pregnancy

When viewed in the right light, coffee becomes something more than a ritual—it’s a therapeutic tool that can fold seamlessly into daily life. My own approach is a mindful routine of just one cup, freshly ground and enjoyed early in the day, either black or with a splash of milk, knowing each sip can be enjoyed without guilt as it’s contributing to my mental focus and lasting vitality.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate.

[YouGoTexasGirl]

Maybe they meant two carafe’s ???!!! If so, our home is standard...!!!

Used Folgers red plastic large containers decorate my husband’s shop, lining the beams! They each have a label on them with the contents. We usually have five large containers in the pantry, panic when it gets down to two.

[TheThirdRuffian]

An American “mug” is typically a two cup serving.

Something to be aware of when doing the math on pot capacity.

Also, Americans and American blend coffee served at home is typically more watered down than what is tested. Something more volume is fine. Note, this last observation is not nearly as true and general as it was a decade ago, as Americans tend to stronger coffee now.

[TheThirdRuffian]

I love K cups for convenience, but most of the good polyphenols are washed away during processing.

Sucks.

[Vaduz]

Coffee like beer proof God loves us

In moderation of course

[StevenWH]

Molasses is surprisingly good in coffee.

[Mr Rogers]

“Two cups is a high amount?”

Two cups is what I drink before I comb my hair in the morning. Caffeine is one of the most important vitamins and should be taken regularly throughout the day. I usually have my last cup about an hour before going to bed.

And yes, I then go to sleep.

[Nervous Tick]

>> In moderation of course

Yes, ALL things in moderation. Including moderation. ;-)

[Nervous Tick]

Wow, we’re birds of a feather, Mr. Folgers! ER, sorry, Mr. Rogers!

[MayflowerMadam]

Bummer.

We like K Cups because there’s much less waste than brewing a pot. We used to throw away quite a bit if/when it got burned and stale. Since we’re scooping grounds into K Cup adapter thingies now the convenience factor is pretty much gone.

[Mr Rogers]

;>)

!

[MayflowerMadam]

“I usually have my last cup about an hour before going to bed.

“And yes, I then go to sleep.”

That would be me.

[Vaduz]

Yes but hobbies can be fun.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Ill try it.

[PJ-Comix]

The weird thing for me is that if I drink a few cups of coffee in the morning, it actually REDUCES my blood pressure by that afternoon more than if I drank NO coffee in the morning.

[SharpRightTurn]

“I love K cups for convenience, but most of the good polyphenols are washed away during processing.”

Really? I had not read that before. I’ll have to do research on this and consider making changes. I agree about the convenience and would hate to give them up.

[drwoof]

Same here, too. Not often, but a cup of coffee with dessert after a nice dinner is wonderful, and has never messed with my sleep.

[Twotone]

There was a video on Epoch Times I watched that said drinking BLACK coffee...about 4 cups...can help to fix fatty liver disease.

One has to wonder if any of these studies are valid, given the differences in the test subjects’ diets. But I’ll continue to enjoy my coffee...2 - 3 cups a day, black.

[stevio]

Epoch Times is an awesome newspaper.

[Twotone]

I do Epoch TV on-line. With 10 cats, it’s very hard to read a newspaper. ;-)

[kawhill]

“Coffee may also influence neurotransmitter balance, which is crucial for maintaining memory and thinking skills as people age.” “How fresh is that coffee? I generally make a fresh pot every week, whether there’s some left over or not.” Three cups for me with a dollup of whole milk.