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Coffee lovers were recently happy and vindicated by a report extolling the virtues of their favorite drink.

The researchers reported that coffee supplies a significant dose of antioxidants and can also help ward off many ailments, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and colon and breast cancers.

To max out the benefits of your favorite drink, Cynthia Sass, a registered dietician and consultant to the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, suggests that you incorporate the following suggestions. It will make your coffee even better tasting.

Coffee Lovers: Drink a Glass of Water First

Coffee is a diuretic — meaning it triggers fluid loss.  You can prevent yourself from getting dehydrated. Just start your morning by drinking an 8 ounce glass before you have your first cup of coffee.

After that, focus on drinking at least four 16-ounce servings of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.

Coffee Lovers: No More Sweeteners

Sweeteners such as sugar and even the artificial sweeteners spur all kinds of food cravings. They are linked to an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. So, even if you only use the artificial sweeteners, stop using them. Of course, it’s best if you do so gradually. If you try and eventually find that’s it’s just too difficult, then try cutting back to only one packet of sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of six teaspoons of added sugar per day Keep track of how much you use.

Even better, says Cynthia Sass, add sweet spices. Spices, like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, will sweeten your drink without the added calories.

In addition to boosting flavor and aroma, these spices will increase your antioxidant levels — and that’s a very good thing. For example, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Other spices that can sweeten your coffee are pumpkin or apple pie spice, or raw cocoa powder.

Coffee Lovers: Use Grass-fed dairy or plant-based milk

Your best option grass-fed and organic milk or cream in your coffee. This process retains more nutrients as well as containing high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Another alternative is to use creamers made from almond, coconut, cashew, and other plant sources.

These are much lower in calories and contain all-natural ingredients. In addition, they provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

Enjoy your java — the healthy way!