I love coffee. The taste, the smell, the whole experience of that rich and robust brew. Ever since cramming for finals at the University of Hawaiʻi, coffee has remained one of my favorite guilty pleasures, a small daily ritual that feels both comforting and alive.

Coffee is more than a beverage. Coffee is pause, conversation, and understanding.

“If you want to improve your understanding,” said English essayist Sydney Smith, “drink coffee.”

Coffee lovers, good news! Researchers keep discovering benefits. Regular coffee drinking is linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and depression. Our favorite brew may support brain, liver, and heart health. Coffee may also help protect the brain as we grow older.

Yipee.

In any case, while the experts keep exploring the possibilities, I’ll go with what writer Jonathan Swift once said: “The best maxim I know in this life is, to drink your coffee when you can.”

And that sounds like a good excuse for a trip to Barnes & Noble for a nice, strong cup of jolting java. Cheers!