Coffee and antioxidants
When dissecting a cup of coffee in order to look at its benefits, it has often been the advantages of caffeine that has garnered the most attention when it comes to academic studies. But, scientists have, in the past, turned towards the other compounds found in our brew and they are finding numerous results that will further encourage coffee drinkers everywhere – and further studies are on the horizon.
Back in 2005, at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society – which boasts over 150,000 members – researchers announced a startling finding: Americans’ largest source of ingested antioxidants came from coffee, far surpassing every other dietary source.
A corresponding report published by the National Coffee Association said that more and more people are beginning to realise the positive health effects that coffee has.
Since then, numerous studies have been initiated and the craze for finding out, and promoting, coffee health benefits have soared through the roof.
Let’s take a look at antioxidants and why they’re important!
So, what is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants have been the subject of a lot of attention recently for the prominent role that they can play in supporting health and general well-being. Antioxidants are certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes with a number of benefits.
Coffee
Antioxidants found naturally within coffee include chlorogenic acid, magnesium and flavonoids. Recently, flavonoids have gathered interest because of their beneficial effects; various journal studies have reported that they possess antiviral, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory traits
It is possible that antioxidants also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The Iowa Women’s Health Study look at data from more than 27,000 women aged 55-69 over a multi-year period. The study then found that those who drank one to three cups per day, cut their risk of cardiovascular disease by almost a quarter in comparison to those who skipped drinking a cup of joe.
Scientists are continually researching and uncovering many more antioxidant benefits that come with drink a cup of coffee.