MORE: Get More Out Of Your Coffee The Roast In the universe of coffee beans, lighter roasts are the dark horses. “The antioxidant effects of coffee are related to compounds called chlorogenic acids,” says Peter Martin, director of the Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee Studies. “Roasting green coffee beans transforms these acids into better antioxidants—but if you keep on roasting them, they break down again.” So buy light-brown beans. And when you’re on the go, ask for Original Blend at Dunkin’ Donuts or Blonde at Starbucks. MORE: How Science Is Messing With Your Morning Coffee The Storage Roasted coffee beans have free radicals, which become more numerous the longer they’re exposed to air, according to a study in Food Chemistry. That’s a problem because as free radical levels rise, some antioxidants in the beans are spent fighting to stabilize them. Store your beans in an airtight container and don’t grind them until you’re ready to brew; the same study noted that whole beans had fewer free radicals than ground coffee. For an even grind and smooth-tasting joe, use a burr grinder; it ensures that the particles are more uniform in size. Try the Camano Coffee Mill for $65. MORE: The Ultimate Morning Smoothie The Brewing The Keurig is king for convenience, but for antioxidants, the Moka is master. Researchers in Italy examined five different brewing methods and found that coffee percolated in a stovetop Moka pot, an espresso pot, or a Neapolitan-style pot produced coffee with more than double the antioxidant levels of java brewed through a paper filter. Pick up the Bialetti Moka Express for $45. Too strong? Add some hot water to espresso to make an Americano. MORE: Are You An “Ignorant Hipster” For Drinking Almond Milk? The Cup How do you take your coffee? Here’s your new answer: “Black, without sugar,” says Martin. “Coffee in itself is extremely nutritious—anything you add is diminishing it.” A touch of half-and-half may not add many calories, but new research from Croatia suggests that milk can reduce the antioxidant levels. Of course, if you doctor your drink with sugar or artificial sweeteners, you’re just stirring in calories or chemicals. A better way to handle bitter: Add ground cinnamon to taste. The article “How To Make Your Coffee Truly Healthy” originally ran on MensHealth.com. MORE: Make Your Own Homemade Orange Juice