There are mixed opinions about coffee.
Some believe it is healthy and energizing, while others claim it is addictive and harmful.
For example, coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, liver diseases, Alzheimer’s and more.
The reason for this may be the impressive amount of powerful antioxidants found in coffee.
Coffee is Loaded with Several Powerful Antioxidants
Our bodies are under constant attack by reactive molecules called “free radicals.”These molecules have unpaired electrons that can damage important cell structures like proteins and DNA.
This is where antioxidants step in. They donate electrons to the free radicals, effectively disarming them.
This is believed to be protective against aging and many diseases that are partly caused by oxidative stress, including cancer.
Additionally, antioxidants can have various other biological effects and are considered to be very important for overall health.
Hydrocinnamic acids are very effective at neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.
Additionally, the polyphenols found in coffee may help prevent a number of diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Dietary Sources of Antioxidants
Most people consume about 1–2 grams of antioxidants per day.Beverages are actually a much larger source of antioxidants in the Western diet than food. In fact, 79% of dietary antioxidants come from beverages, while only 21% come from food.
Coffee is The Biggest Dietary Source of Antioxidants
In one study, researchers looked at the antioxidant content of different foods by serving size.Coffee ranked eleventh on the list, after several different types of berries.
In Norwegian and Finnish studies, coffee was shown to be the single biggest antioxidant source, providing about 64% of the total antioxidant intake.
In this study, the average coffee intake was 450–600 ml/day, or 2–4 cups.
Coffee is Linked to a Reduced Risk of Many Diseases
Drinking coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of many diseases.For example, coffee drinkers have a 23-50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Each daily cup of coffee is linked to a 7% lower risk.
Drinking coffee also seems to be very beneficial for the liver, with coffee drinkers having a much lower risk of liver cirrhosis.
Coffee may also lower the risk of liver and colorectal cancer, and several studies have shown a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Consuming coffee on a regular basis may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by 32–65%.
Some studies have shown that coffee may also benefit mental health. Women who drink coffee are less likely to become depressed and commit suicide.
Are Coffee Antioxidants Equal to Those Found in Fruits and Vegetables?
There are many types of dietary antioxidants, and coffee is a very good source of some of them.For optimal health, it is best to get a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant compounds from many different sources.