While health warnings concerning the over-consumption of caffeine are commonplace, coffee lovers can rejoice in the advice of one NHS GP, who has shared her top 10 reasons for enjoying the hot drink. Dr Renee Hoenderkamp took to TikTok, where she broke down the many benefits of a good cup of coffee.

"We so often get told that coffee is bad and we should cut down or completely stop," she began in a video. "But whilst everything can be bad in large amounts, I go with the motto, 'in moderation', in which caffeine can be a force for good." Dr Hoenderkamp proceeded to "undemonise" the beverage.

"Unless you are drinking gallons of it, coffee has health benefits that can extend life," she declared. "I love coffee and I drink about five cups per day... sometimes more."

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"Moderate coffee drinkers are associated with an increased longevity and a lower risk of early death," Dr Hoenderkamp added. "Studies suggest caffeine can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause."

This is because coffee beans are packed with polyphenols as well as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which when roasted and milled, are "freed" into the drink," the doctor noted.

Dr Hoenderkamp then went on to explain that dark roasted coffee decreases DNA breakdown, which occurs naturally, but can lead to cancer or tumours if not repaired by your cells. "So less breakage equals less disease," she said. The GP also advised that both decaffeinated and regular coffee decreases the risk of developing colon cancer in some studies by up to 23 per cent.

Meanwhile, the doctor revealed that caffeine ensures a the body is better able to handle blood sugar. "Coffee drinkers appear to be less likely to develop diabetes," she said, adding that the caffeine in two cups of coffee may also provide protection against developing Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Hoenderkamp continued with another potential health benefit, adding: "Just one cup of coffee a day reduces your risk of a stroke - I am terrified of strokes as I have seen the disabling ability and the indignity it brings."

She also boasted of coffee's "neurodegenerative protection qualities" - not only in Alzheimer's, but also in Parkinson's disease too. "Caffeine is linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson's disease and for those with the condition, better control of their movements," Dr Hoenderkamp said.

The GP advised that regular decaffeinated coffee also appears to have a positive impact on the liver, meanwhile. "Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have a healthy range of liver enzymes compared to people who don't drink coffee," she said.

Dr Hoenderkamp then discussed the microbiome - which protects us against bacteria. "Coffee drinkers have a more diverse microbiome and a healthy gut is a healthy human," she said.

Providing her last coffee benefit, the doctor reported that recent research showed that two compounds present in caffeine - kahweol and cafestol - stopped the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells in laboratory studies.

Closing, Dr Hoenderkamp acknowledged: "Now remember, some people are more sensitive to the stimulant effects of caffeine and some are slower metabolisers - so be guided by your body and don't overdo it."

Guidance from the NHS, meanwhile warns that too much caffeine (more than 600mg/day) can produce anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, palpitations, diarrhoea, and restlessness.