Caffeine is an American lifestyle. Starbucks alone ranked 29 for CNN’s 2012 Fortune 500 with $42 million market value as of April. But where does this urgent need for a double shot of espresso or 12 ounces that will give you “wings” stem from? Perhaps it is that inescapable alteration to your mind and body that caffeine has.

Recent studies demonstrate caffeine positively affects the human body. According to the U.S. Institutes in Medicine, 100 to 600 milligrams of caffeine can maintain mental capacity. The increase of focus and reaction time would encourage any person balancing academic studies and relationship happiness with working to pay rent and staying alive all on a five-hour night’s sleep-at best–to hop on the caffeine train. 

“When consumed in moderation, caffeine has no adverse health effects,” Dr. Luis Gruberg, a professor of medicine at Stony Brook University School of Medicine’s cardiovascular diseases division, told Newsday. The key is coffee consumption level awareness, so as to avoid sleepless nights and jitters. 

A 400,000-participant study from the National Cancer Institute noted that coffee-drinkers live longer than non-coffee drinkers. The study took into account the alcohol intake, diet and lifestyle choices of the participants, and a clear pattern emerged: Each cup of coffee per day nudged up the chances of living longer.

Though caffeine intake may require monitoring in special cases, the overall findings are that caffeine can be a great benefit to any and all.  So if Americans continue to flatten their wallets for a venti latte or seemingly unnecessary Kit-Kat breaks, so be it.