ALTHOUGH several researches have studied the health benefits of coffee, it is still not a recommended beverage to people with certain health condition.

This is true that a large majority of coffee drinkers are continually adding to their waistlines by drinking popular coffee store versions – which are typically loaded with tons of extra calories and sugar.

But health experts said, coffee, if consumed properly can actually aid in weight loss, so it makes sense to avoid the artificial creations made in stores.

But if you’re an avid fan of any coffee store, you can learn just how to make that cup work for you – instead of against you. Drinking coffee black is a simple way to avoid all of these issues, but here are some extra delicious tips to make drinking coffee healthy.

Here’s how:

* Avoid artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. Did you know that many popular versions of coffee are loaded with artificial sweeteners and refined sugar.

A salted caramel mocha (again, found at an unnamed coffee chain) hits your bloodstream with a whopping 56 grams of sugar.

The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume 25 grams (or less) of sugar per day. One daily unhealthy choice when it comes to coffee, could add five or 10 extra pounds in a month or two. To give you another example, a typical Frappuccino can weigh in at 66 grams of sugar.

Try adding a small amount of stevia. While not 100 percent perfect, this choice is certainly better than consuming the artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. Coconut sugar or organic maple syrup can also be used, but the real key here is adding a very small amount.

* Add cinnamon to coffee. A pinch of cinnamon to your coffee adds antioxidants to your drink. Cinnamon has been linked with numerous health benefits. One of the most important is lower blood glucose levels after a meal. And in those with type 2 diabetes, cinnamon has been linked to lower serum glucose levels and an improved lipid profile.

* Eat before you drink coffee. While many of us start the day with a big cup of coffee, you actually may be lowering your energy levels by doing this. Well, quite simply, your body releases insulin in response to the caffeine found within coffee. This, in turn, causes a major drop in blood sugar, which leaves you feeling depleted and tired. Not a great way to start your day. Munch on a small snack during your morning cup, or even eat right before you drink. Your body will thank you for it.

* Avoid artificial creamers. A large assortment of artificial creamers is made with corn syrup solids and hydrogenated oils (trans fats). You can improve your coffee by adding real cream. This means organic and grass-fed. Cream like this can be purchased at all major health food stores, and will give you the health benefits of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). There is also usually a nice amount of vitamin K2 present in full-fat cream. This is important because adequate intake of vitamin K2 has been linked with lower rates of cancer and heart disease. Full-fat cream has even been linked to more successful weight loss.

* Add cocoa to coffee. Cocoa has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and a lower risk of cancer. Remember, don’t overdo your chocolate. A small teaspoon is more than enough. (PaleoHacks.com)