Your parents might have told you to avoid caffeine like the plague if you don’t want to damage your health. According to several studies, however, coffee and tea have both been linked to a reduced risk of depression. There are many other benefits. Caffeine also boosts energy levels and might protect you from neurodegenerative disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia). One study found that drinking four cups of coffee per day decreased the risk of depression significantly more than drinking one cup per day. Some studies have even linked coffee consumption to a lower risk of death by suicide. Along with making people happy when they start their morning, a morning cup of joe may benefit you in more ways than one!