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Coffee and Its Antioxidants:
Healthier Than You May Realize
Author:
Wesley Johnson
Article:
Did you know that coffee is chock full of antioxidants, an
anticancer agent? If you've always thought coffee is bad for
you, think again. Aside from keeping you alert and awake, coffee
can also keep you young and fighting cancer. So, continue
reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about
coffee and its antioxidants.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are any vitamin or nutrient that can help prevent
cancer or damage to the heart and other tissues caused by free
radicals. By neutralizing free radicals, they prevent cell
degradation. Antioxidant rich foods include blueberries,
raspberries, dates, chocolate and, of course, coffee.
What type of antioxidants are in coffee?
The antioxidants found in coffee are called polyphenols. More
specifically, the compound is methylpridinium. The antioxidant
isn't present in raw, green coffee beans, but is actually
created during the roasting process.
How much coffee is enough?
Research has shown that people who drink one to two coffees a
day have half the risk of developing liver cancer when compared
to people who didn't drink coffee. Meanwhile, drinking 4 to 6
cups of coffee can reduce your risk for type-2 diabetes by as
much as 50 percent.
However, despite the reduced risk for these diseases and other
cancers, like oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer, doctors
don't recommend you start drinking 10 cups a day. Coffee is
still a stimulant and a diuretic and if drunk in excess can
cause heart problems, anxiety and possible dangerously elevated
blood pressure.
Can I get these antioxidants from other sources?
The specific antioxidant compound of methylpridinium is only
found in substantial amounts in coffee. While other food sources
like cranberries, dates and other antioxidant-rich foods contain
different types of antioxidants, coffee is the primary source
for this particular compound.
(For other sources of antioxidants try bananas, dry beans,
blueberries, pomegranates, lychees and the other foods listed
above.)
A recent study also found that the vast majority of North
Americans get most of their antioxidants from beverages and, in
particular, coffee. The average adult takes in about 1300
milligrams per day through coffee and the next source is tea at
a mere 294 milligrams per day. <,,BR>
Again, while coffee is one of our highest sources of
antioxidants - a great cancer-fighting and prevention agent -
coffee drinkers should always practice moderation. A cup or two
a day may keep a number of common diseases away, but too much
coffee can also cause problems. So balance is always a
necessity.
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