Black coffee contains a number of micronutrients, notably potassium, magnesium and niacin. [Source]

Watching your weight? An 8oz. cup of black coffee contains about two calories (and it may also benefit your workout).

In 2015, the federal advisory committee that helps write the Dietary Guidelines for Americans weighed in on coffee for the first time.

Their conclusion? Drinking up to five cups a day can be part of a "healthy lifestyle."

According to the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines released in 2016, "strong and consistent evidence shows that consumption of coffee within the moderate range...is not associated with increased risk of major chronic diseases." Even better, the recommendations noted that consuming as many as five cups of coffee daily was associated with potentially increasing health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

View the NCA statement on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines [PDF]

Coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet, according to research from the University of Scranton (Pa.).

"Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source," study leader Joe Vinson, Ph.D., said at the time. "Nothing else comes close."

Antioxidants are chemicals that fight free radicals, and may protect cells from damage. Studies have indicated that the antioxidants in coffee may have a protective effect against some cancers, as well as  chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They may also potentially fight obesity and aid in losing weight. Past researchers discovered that these compounds may actually help in protecting retinas and eyes.

Coffee is a major source of chlorogenic acids (CGA). As an antioxidant, CGA is thought to be especially beneficial in modulating sugar metabolism, controlling blood pressure, and possibly defending against heart disease and cancer. Coffee drinkers' daily CGA intake typically ranges from 0.5-1.0 g, while abstainers typically ingest less than 100 mg per day. A single cup of coffee may contain 70 – 350 mg of chlorogenic acids. [Source]