Some of us just can't live without our morning coffee fix. And some of us may be feeling a little guilty about that.

Not to worry. Your morning cup of joe could actually be helping you live longer. A recent study has linked coffee drinking to a reduced risk of death, regardless of the cause.

Healthy or Not, Here I Come!
Over the years, research has produced mixed results on the health benefits of coffee. But a recent study was a win for the earthy brew. Heavy java drinkers (2 or more cups per day) experienced a modest decrease in all-cause mortality, including death from heart disease. We can probably credit the antioxidant-rich beans used to brew the stuff. In fact, Americans drink so much coffee that it's one of our top sources of antioxidants. Here's more good news about coffee.

Reality Check
So what are the caveats for coffee drinking? There are only a few. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you don't need to be told not to be a java junkie. And unfiltered coffee can raise blood fats, so use paper filters and ditch the French press. Although it remains to be seen if coffee has a long-term impact on blood pressure, we know it can cause a temporary spike, so go easy if you have high blood pressure. And -- as always -- do everything in moderation. A pot-a-day habit probably doesn't do anyone any favors. Check this RealAge article for more benefits of the brew.

Recipe Corner
Cook with coffee! It's a snap. Turn on your slow cooker and try this EatingWell recipe: Coffee-Braised Pot Roast with Carmelized Onions.

The relationship of coffee consumption with mortality. Lopez-Garcia, E. et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2008 Jun 17;148(12):904-914.