If you're like most people, you probably start your day with a cup of coffee. But have you ever thought about the nutritional benefits of this beloved beverage? Contrary to what you may have heard, coffee isn't just a source of caffeine- it's also an excellent source of antioxidants. Yes, that's right- coffee is one of the best ways to get antioxidants into your diet, with each cup packing anywhere from 200 to 550 milligrams. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind coffee's antioxidant power and how it can help improve your health.
Antioxidants in coffee are powerful.
What antioxidants are and why they're important
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are created when your body processes food, battles toxins, or comes into contact with pollution. When free radicals accumulate, they can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to numerous chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Why is coffee such a great source of antioxidants?
It all has to do with the type of antioxidants found in coffee. Most of coffee's antioxidants fall into two categories: hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. Hydrocinnamic acids are micronutrients that neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress. Polyphenols, on the other hand, are plant compounds known to have numerous health benefits. They help neutralize free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
“Single Origins, especially organic and natural coffee grades contain the most antioxidants”
In fact, research has shown that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases. For example, a large observational study found that people who drank 3-4 cups of coffee per day had a 24-45% lower risk of developing liver cancer. Other studies have found that coffee may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Of course, it's important to remember that these studies don't prove causation, so it's not clear whether coffee alone is responsible for these benefits.
The roast affects amounts of antioxidants in coffee.
Interestingly, the way coffee is roasted can affect its antioxidant content. A 2019 study found that light and medium roasts contained more polyphenols than dark roasts, and organic coffee beans had more antioxidant compounds than conventional beans.
This is likely because the roasting process breaks down some of the antioxidants in coffee. So, if you want to maximize your antioxidant intake from coffee, opt for lightly roasted beans and choose organic varieties whenever possible.
Other great sources of antioxidants
Lastly, it's worth noting that while the antioxidants in coffee are an excellent source of antioxidants, it's not the only one. Other foods high in antioxidants include berries, dark chocolate, nuts, and spices like cinnamon. So, while coffee can certainly be part of a healthy diet, it shouldn't be the only source of antioxidants in your diet.