How To Balance Your Love for Coffee and Your Health   

• While grabbing a cup of coffee is a daily ritual for many, the line between a healthy energy boost and a stressful habit is thinner than most people think. In South Korea, where the average person consumes around 400 cups a year, nearly triple the global average, understanding this balance has become a vital health concern. Coffee is a natural source of antioxidants and can help lower the risk of long-term issues like dementia or type 2 diabetes. However, it also acts as a powerful stimulant that can raise cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. The secret to a healthy coffee habit lies in timing and ingredients rather than just cutting it out entirely. Experts recommend limiting intake to about two cups a day to stay within the safe caffeine range of 400 milligrams. To avoid common side effects like anxiety or high blood pressure, it is best to drink coffee in the early morning and choose black coffee over versions filled with sugary syrups or heavy cream. By treating your daily brew as a tool for focus rather than a constant necessity, you can enjoy the mental benefits without damaging your sleep or heart health. J.K. Park Senior Reporter junior/1775103970/1613368089