Recent studies have generally found no connection between coffee and increased risk of cancer or heart disease, so why did everyone used to think coffee was less than healthful?

Earlier studies didn't always take into account that known high-risk behaviors, such as smoking and physical inactivity, tended to be more common among heavy coffee drinkers at the time.

Newer studies have also shown that coffee may have benefits, such as protecting against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and liver cancer.

It also has a high content of antioxidants. But that doesn't mean you should disregard the old maxim of "Everything in moderation."