Black Coffee

Black coffee does not sober up an intoxicated person. It will only wake him up, but will not change the alcohol levels in the bloodstream. It is better to drink fruit juice and water.

Fat, Calories and Nutrients

An 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains just 2 calories and 0 grams of fat. The same cup of coffee contains tiny doses of calcium for strong bones and potassium to keep your heart beat regular. When you add cream and sugar to a cup of coffee, it increases the fat and calorie content of your drink.

Cancer

The compounds in coffee might help prevent cancer. The Harvard Health Letter reported in its February 2006 issue that researchers at Harvard Medical School found that drinking coffee might reduce your risk of liver cancer by 50 percent compared to people who don’t drink coffee. The compounds in coffee might also reduce your risk of colon, breast and rectal cancer.

Antioxidant Benefits

The antioxidants that a cup of black coffee contains offers you many protective benefits. A 2006 study published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” reports that drinking coffee reduces inflammation levels in your body, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. A 2004 article published in the “Journal of Nutrition” notes that the antioxidants in coffee can help reduce your risk of certain degenerative diseases. The article also reports that the level of antioxidants in coffee is higher than the levels in wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. Coffee might also protect you against Parkinson’s disease and Type 2 diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com.