I’m sure you’ve caught wind from all of the Instagram posts of iced coffee and cute latte flower art that it was recently National Coffee Day! Yes that sweet smelling, black crack has a whole day devoted to it. In my opinion, coffee deserves a whole month dedicated to its greatness. Yes, it gives us that boost of energy we need in the morning and makes for a cute date, but there are so many other reasons why coffee is the greatest thing on earth! Here are 5 reasons why this “wakey juice” has a whole day centered around it.

1. The scent of coffee can reduce stress

That’s right! That cup of joe is more than just liquid lightening, the smell alone can reduce stress caused by sleep deprivation and everything else life throws at us. The next time you have a nice brew in your hands, take a second to give it a nice whiff.

2. Coffee does wonders for you liver

Coffee is actually very beneficial to your liver especially if you are a heavy drinker. It also may protect against many liver diseases including cirrhosis and liver cancer. People who drink an average of four or more cups a day have an 20% lower risk of getting cirrhosis and a 40% lower risk of obtaining liver cancer.

3. Coffee can drastically reduce your chances of getting skin cancer

Being from California, I’m no stranger to the sun. I'm also no stranger to serious sunburns and sun poisoning. Studies show that those who consume four or more cups a day have a 20% lower risk for malignant melanoma. Coffee has also been credited for reducing the risk of other serious conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes.

4. Coffee may help fight depression

Depression is a serious mental disorder and a big problem for a majority of people in the United States. In 2011, A Harvard study stated that women who drink four or more cups a day have a significantly lower risk of becoming depressed. Coffee has also been credited for possibly reducing the risk of suicide.

5. Coffee has various essential nutrients

Coffee contains a MASSIVE amount of nutrients and antioxidants. A single cup contains Riboflavin, Potassium, Pantothenic Acid, and Magnesium. (So does this mean I don’t have to eat my veggies anymore?)

There you have it ladies and gents! We don’t give this black water nearly enough credit as we should! Order that grande dirty chai, Instagram that picture of your foam art latte, and give your barista a big kiss! Its time to celebrate that life IS better buzzed! Raise that rocket fuel in the air and say it with me, “But first, Coffee!”