Today is National Coffee Day, and increasing research suggests that coffee in moderation may have several health benefits (I’ll drink to that). 

Beware of sugary syrups, cream, and other additives that can make drinks an unhealthy choice.  As Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the Mayo Clinic explains, 

“A plain cup of brewed coffee has only 2 calories — and no fat. But if you dress up your coffee with extras, whether at home or your favorite coffee shop, you also add extra calories.

See how many calories 1 tablespoon of these extras can add:

• Heavy whipping cream: 52 calories
• Table sugar: 49 calories
• Half-and-half: 20 calories
• Fat-free milk: 5 calories

When you’re at your local coffee shop, check out the nutrition information before you order. Some drinks are more like dessert and can have hundreds of calories. Occasional indulgence is fine. But remember that when it comes to weight loss, all calories count — even calories in liquid form.”