We all love coffee

Coffee is among the most consumed — and controversial — beverages in the world. While coffee should be treated with care and avoided altogether by those who metabolize it poorly, it also provides health benefits to many people.

Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world, trailing only water and, debatably, tea. Caffeine, a key component of coffee, is a controversial compound. With 90% of North American adults consuming caffeine daily, it is the world’s most consumed psychoactive drug – and coffee is the delivery method of choice.

Perhaps that’s why, in the fitness world, we’ve traditionally viewed coffee with some suspicion.But is coffee really bad for us? Should we give up our beloved cuppa joe? If it’s bad, why does it feel so good?