If you drink coffee, I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that the more cups of coffee you drink, the higher your risk of dying early. The good news is that if you "risk adjust," then the more cups of coffee you drink, the lower your risk of dying early. Let me explain.

Due to its worldwide popularity, coffee is probably the greatest source of antioxidants in the global diet. And while having lots of it isn't recommended for everyone, for some of us, it may just be the superfood of the century. Here are nine reasons to start the day with this healing drink.

Coffee is amazing. But like any drug, its caffeine content may carry side effects that outweigh the benefits of consumption. Be smart and take time to understand the health consequences of caffeinated beverages and come to your own conclusions.

Confession: I am enamored with coffee. In fact, I adore coffee so much that I coerced my coffee-virgin husband to "just give a Starbucks mocha a try," and now he's hooked, as in love with coffee as I am. Does that mean I created a drug addict? This is where all the confusion comes in.

Coffee is a drug. And using it recreationally is certainly fine, or for the occasional pick me up when you just couldn't get enough sleep. But there is a dark side of coffee and caffeine.

The benefits of coffee can extend beyond what the studies show, to the psychological, societal and cultural benefits of the world's most popular beverage.

The world's most widely used pick-me-up reduces your risk of neurodegeneration, depression, cancer and cardiovascular disease, and that's just the beginning of the story. Yes, I'm talking about that legal, over-the-counter beverage now available every other block.

Ultimately, like any good affair, a relationship with caffeine should leave you feeling fulfilled, not tense. And, like any good affair, quality, not quantity, is what counts.