Coffee and Health
Coffee is a wonderful alternative to other risky habits, such as alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking, while it provides the calming yet stimulating desired effect. In the past health experts have cautioned drinking more than a couple cups of coffee per day, but now scientific research evidences many benefits of drinking coffee that derive from the seed's complex chemistry as well as from the caffeine it contains.

Complex Chemistry
The chemical composition of coffee has been studied more intently in recent years. Scientists have unlocked nearly 1,000 compounds found in roasted coffee. Areas of research include molecular and physiological effects that just keep bringing good news. One family of compounds is called alkaloids which includes caffeine discussed below. There are also powerful antioxidants called polyphenols which may alone or combined with other naturally occurring chemicals be responsible for touted benefits. Here are some we can receive news updates on that can be found on the internet as pertains to regular consumption of brewed coffee:

Reduces cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer
Reduces colorectal cancers
Reduces gallstones
Reduces kidney stones
Helps postpone conditions and diseases including cataracts.
Helps reduce stave off Parkinson's disease significantly.
Reduces asthmatic symptoms. Harvard research found about 1/3 fewer asthmatic symptoms in coffee drinkers than non-drinkers.

Caffeine
Coffee is one of Earth's most natural sources of caffeine, known medically as trimethylxanthine. The chemical formula is C8H10N4O2. Isolated in pure form, caffeine is a white crystalline powder that tastes bitter. Technically, caffeine works to stop drowsiness by binding to the adenosine receptors, blood vessels dilate (presumably to let more oxygen in during sleep), and increases neuron firing, then adrenaline (epinephrine) is produced. It is a complicated series of events, but technically blocks naturally occurring substances in our brains that put us to sleep! Caffeine has been touted as a preventative cure-all. Here are some we found on the web as pertains to regular consumption of brewed coffee:

It increases the power of aspirin and other painkillers.
It stimulates the mind, and increases alertness and creativity.
It is an excellent appetite suppressant.
It works as a natural diuretic, reducing water retention.
It increases the metabolic rate, experts suggest this helps burn fat.
It reduces depression, coffee drinkers have much more favorable outlooks.
It restores memory loss, many dementia patients have marked improvement.
It staves off diabetes type II, experts are claiming significant findings.
It has been used in programs for dieting, jet-lag prevention, anti-aging, etc.
It has always served as that "cup of inspiration". Articles about success often suggest, "Drink coffee!"

How long does caffeine stay in your system? Caffeine enters your system quickly, by the time you are halfway done with a cup - you may already feel it kicking in. The body can only absorb up to 300 mg. of caffeine at a time (about 2 cups of coffee). Considering the body removes about 20% of what it has absorbed each hour, it could take up to 5 hours after the last cup consumed to eliminate 100% of the caffeine.

Note on health concerns
Although caffeine can be addictive, studies still indicate no long-term ill effects. Conversely, scientific findings in 2013 report "reduction in overall morbidity" with regular coffee consumption. Of course, some people with certain medical conditions (such as high-blood pressure, kidney disorders, fibrocystic breasts, etc.) should limit their consumption or refrain. These concerns should be discussed with your doctor or health care professional. However, many patients can at least enjoy fresh roasted de-caffeinated coffee which can be pleasantly deceiving.