Many of us love our morning coffee, I sure do. One of the best part of waking up is coffee in our cup! But is coffee health enriching or harmful? Are the health benefits all they're cracked up to be?

While coffee is considered a safe form of caffeine, let's take a closer look at this delicious stimulating, eye opening wonder drug.

The Good

While studies have hinted that coffee may have a bad and ugly side, new research says that it may acually have health benefits.

Caffeine can heighten mental alertness, dissipate tired feelings and promote a sense of wellbeing. It's also used in medicine to improve the effects of some pain relievers, to help burn calories and for alertness.

Coffee does gives us an energy boost, but it provides much more that. It may also reduce the risk of several health issues such as heart failure, stoke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, dementia, cirrhosis of the liver, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and many other conditions.

Coffee is rich in many useful nutrients, including: Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Vitamin B3 niacine, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Phosphorus, Folate, Vitamin B1 (thiamine).

Drinking two to three cups of coffee a day may protect you from cardiovascular disease, lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and depression, and an early death.

Coffee really shines in its high content of antioxidants. In fact, coffee provides more antioxidants than from fruits and vegetables combined, and may be one of the healthiest beverage on the planet.

The Bad

Coffee has potential risks, mostly due to its high caffeine content. Coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure. High consummation of boiled, unfiltered coffee has been associated with mild increase in cholesterol levels.

1. Caffeine causes increased heart rate. This is one of the most obvious side effects. To someone who does not usually indulge in the stimulant, even small amounts of caffeine can cause uncomfortable jittery feelings.

2. Caffeine can exacerbate sleep deprivation. Depending on caffeine to make up for a lack of sleep can result in a vicious cycle. Studies show that having caffeine even as early as six hours before bedtime can impact sleep, even if you don't actually notice the disruption.

3. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety in people with panic or anxiety disorders, including nervousness and a fast heart rate. Studies confirm that caffeine in doses roughly equivalent to 5 cups of coffee induces panic attacks.

The acidity of coffee is associated with digestive discomfort, indigestion, heart burn, GERD and dysbiosis (imbalances in your gut flora). Addiction has been an issue with coffee drinkers, making it very difficult to rely on the body's natural source of energy. Coffee drinks will tell you how it feels to withdraw from coffee, and you will mistake their story for that of a drug addict.

Elevated urinary excretion of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium have been noted in coffee drinkers. An imbalance in your electrolyte status can lead to serious systemic complications.

If you like iced coffee, for a nice refreshing afternoon treat try this Iced Pearl Powder Caramel Protien Latee. Yumm! This will make your boat float.

Conclusion

The health benefits of coffee far outweigh the risks, according to Harvard Medical School. Your coffee habit is probably fine and does have some wonderful benefits. For most people, moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy diet. But if you have side effects from coffee, such as heartburn, nervousness or insomnia, consider cutting back.