Rise and shine! If coffee is the first thing you think of in the morning, you’re not alone. An estimated 80% of Americans say they can’t get their day started without a fresh, hot cup of Joe.

 This beloved drink wakes us up and keeps us sharp thanks to a high caffeine content, and since March is Caffeine Month, it’s the perfect time to take stock of how your coffee is affecting you. The good news is that you don’t have to feel guilty about your coffee intake, because there are a few great reasons why you should continue to maintain your morning habit.   For one: coffee is actually good for you!   Coffee is high in disease-fighting antioxidants—so high, in fact, that it’s the western world’s number one source of antioxidants, beating out healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Most Americans get their antioxidants from their morning java, keeping them healthy even while keeping them stimulated and alert!   If that isn’t a good enough reason for you, then consider this: coffee may help you live longer.   Recent studies have shown a correlation between longevity and coffee consumption, most likely due to the healthy antioxidants you get with every cup. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and liver disease.   Finally, did you know that coffee can make you happier?   Coffee drinkers tend to have a lower risk of depression, thanks perhaps to coffee’s mood-elevating production of dopamine, which generates feelings of euphoria.   Stay healthy and happy: keep drinking coffee! 2-3 cups a day seems to be the optimal amount to reap these benefits. If you count yourself among the coffee drinkers of the world, then you can feel good knowing the positive effects of your habit!