(MURFREESBORO) Everywhere you go in Murfreesboro, there seems to be a new coffee shop being built or it just opened. Ascension's St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, which has a coffee shop there as well, has a possible reason for this dramatic expansion.

The exploding coffee scene in Middle Tennessee provides an excellent reminder of the short and long-term benefit that coffee has on our bodies. A few cups of coffee throughout the day can energize you, hydrate your body, and be a healthier alternative to soda, juice, and other sugary drinks.

Additionally, research continues to show that coffee has increased long-term benefits on the body. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, drinking moderate amounts of coffee (3-4 cups a day) coincides with a decrease in the chance of developing many diseases, including many types of cancer, and an increase in the function of the liver, brain, and various other organs.

Here's what health experts say:

• Drink coffee in moderation. Research suggests that the optimal amount of coffee for an individual is 3-4 cups per day. According to the Mayo Clinic, any more than that may begin to impede certain bodily functions including digestion, sleep, and muscle function.
• Drink your daily cups of coffee before 2pm. According to the National Institutes of Health, drinking coffee later in the day can interfere with your sleep which can lead to various health problems.
• Stay away from the creamer and sugar. A little added sweetener may make your drink tastier, but too much will take away from the health benefits of coffee itself due to high amounts of added sugar. According to the American Heart Association, men should only consume 37.5 grams of added sugars in a day and women only 25 grams. Just a few servings of sweetener and creamer can exceed these amounts. Try it black, or with a natural sweetener like agave nectar, coconut sugar, or honey, all of which have health benefits of their own!
• Brew your own organic coffee. Brewing your own organic coffee is a convenient alternative to buying your coffee at a coffee shop. Organic coffee beans are farmed with limited chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides and provide the same short-term and long-term benefits of traditional coffee. The National Coffee Association has detailed guides on how to brew your coffee available at www.ncausa.org/.
• Ice your coffee to create a refreshing beverage in the summer heat. Who said coffee has to be hot?! Take an iced coffee to the pool, the beach, or on a hike for a refreshing and hydrating drink. According to the CDC, hydrating, especially in the summer, is crucial in preventing dehydration which may cause unclear thinking, overheating, constipation, and kidney stones.