Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance on earth, and most of us get our fix from a piping hot cup of coffee. Sure, coffee helps us wake up and concentrate during the morning commute, but scientists are finding the brew is packed with potent health benefits, too.

Bursting with a blend of disease-fighting antioxidants and a healthy dose of caffeine, coffee has been shown to combat everything from annoying headaches to life-threatening heart disease. In fact, drinking two to three cups a day could cut your risk of dying from heart disease by more than 30 percent!

Organic Coffee Taste Test: The Results Are In!

In a new study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, women who regularly drank at least four cups of coffee a day (about 550 milligrams of caffeine) were 20 percent less likely to develop depression. While the study authors warn this isn't enough evidence to take up slinging back coffee all day, it's good news if you already enjoy java.

Healthy coffee tips:

Nix non-dairy creamer. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that mixing non-dairy creamer into your coffee reduces the amount of antioxidants your body absorbs. Good news: Regular cream didn't inhibit absorption.

Get your hands on the good stuff. Look for the Bird Friendly label on your coffee. The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center seal ensures that the coffee was grown in the shade and using only organic methods. This protects workers and wildlife; plus, many coffee experts say shade-grown tastes better.

Avoid plastic-brewed coffee. Recent studies all types of different plastics leach harmful chemicals into our food and drinks. Heat accelerates the leaching, so brew your coffee in a glass and stainless steel French press, if possible.