Drinking coffee in any form has caused a bit of a debate over the past few years. However, the humble black coffee has proven to be much more than what meets the eye. Recent research conducted across many faculties of medicine and physiology has shown interesting results that are good news to patrons of black coffee. Here are the top five reasons why you should drink this stimulating beverage:

1. It enhances mood
Black coffee acts as a mood-booster. It helps elevate your cognitive function as well as your energy levels. There is enough evidence that drinking black coffee largely helps reduce the risk of depression and some disorders of the nervous system.

2. It reduces chances of cancer
Recent studies have shown how drinking black coffee can reduce your risk of developing cancer. It is noted that people drinking an average of four cups of coffee every day have a reduced risk of developing oral cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer.

3. It is rich in antioxidants
Coffee is high in antioxidants, which keep your body functioning well and help you prevent many life-threatening diseases. They also help reduce and repair cell damage. Black coffee is also rich in vitamins B2, B3, and B5; potassium; and magnesium.

4. It is good for the liver
Drinking black coffee habitually has proven to enhance liver function and reduce the risk of many liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Consuming three cups of black coffee on a daily basis can be beneficial in this regard.

5. It controls weight
Ever since studies proved that regular consumption of black coffee could enable the body to burn more calories, black coffee has been embraced by many people who aim to manage or lose their weight. The caffeine present in black coffee boosts metabolism and energy levels in the body, which, in turn, helps you burn more calories. Black coffee is also much preferred as it is a low-calorie drink, unlike its milked or creamed counterparts.

6. It improves brain health
The caffeine and antioxidants present in black coffee offer many health benefits for an aging brain. As you grow old, your memory and other cognitive functions may start to weaken. It has been observed that people who drink coffee regularly had reduced a risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. It was also observed that the same people had greater memory and faster cognitive responses.

That said, drinking too much coffee has its downsides, including mood imbalances and disruptions in sleep cycle, among others. Hence, it is important to consult a health expert to understand just how much black coffee you should be consuming in order to reap its benefits.