Coffee is one of the most popular beverages enjoyed around the world. Many people drink coffee because it has a unique taste, high caffeine content and lingering pungent aroma. However, not only does coffee taste great, but current studies indicate that coffee also packs a variety of health boosting and disease fighting benefits as well.
The health benefits of coffee stem from the significant caffeine content and powerful antioxidant activity. Just one cup of coffee contains an average of 80 mg of caffeine which is approximately three times higher than that found in a cup of tea or a piece of chocolate. Caffeine has numerous health benefits including the ability to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease and asthma attacks as well as a treatment for headaches.
Coffee also possesses an abundance of healing and health promoting antioxidant compounds that can help minimize the damaging effects of free radicals on the body.
Free radicals are a molecular byproducts resulting from various functions occurring within and around the body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can disrupt normal cellular activity resulting in significant cellular damage.
Antioxidants are powerful components found in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and berries that have the ability to counteract and reduce the damaging effects that free radicals have on the body.
Antioxidant compounds found in coffee include quinines, chlorogenic acid, topcopherols, and trigonelline.
Coffee’s Antioxidant Effects on the Body
The antioxidant content of black coffee can boost the immune system and promote healing. Studies indicate that 1-3 cups of coffee consumed throughout the day can have a positive effect on one's health and well being.
Positive effects of coffee include:
- Reduce the effects of diabetes by improving the body’s response and sensitivity to insulin levels as well as increasing the metabolic response to glucose.
- Antibacterial properties can help prevent the formation of dental cavities.
- Improved reaction time and short term memory function.
- Reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Cirrhosis and colon cancer.
- Protection against the development of cataracts and gallstones.
- Improves mood and provides relief from headaches.
Coffee berries, also referred to as coffee “cherries,” grow on a variety of evergreen bushes (genus Coffea) commonly referred to as "coffee plants." Coffee is made from the roasted seeds or beans that are contained within the coffee berries.
The roasting and heating process positively impacts the antioxidant activity and output of coffee. Medium to dark roasted coffee or coffee beans that are roasted for approximately 10 minutes contain a higher level of antioxidant activity than other type of coffee.
Tips for Maximizing Coffee's Health Benefits
In order to optimize the health benefits of coffee it is important to consider what is added to the coffee as well as how often it is consumed and how it is prepared.
- Similar antioxidants health benefits are found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee brands.
- Filtered coffee is recommended over unfiltered coffee because unfiltered beans contain compounds that can negatively impact blood cholesterol levels.
- Adding milk, cream, sugar or flavored syrups can negatively impact the health benefits that coffee has on the body by adding unnecessary and unhealthy fats and sugars.
- For optimal health benefits, it is recommended that coffee drinkers consume between 1 to 3 cups of coffee a day.
The antioxidant and caffeine content in coffee has been studied extensively for its health promoting abilities. When consumed in moderation and with minimal additives, coffee can be a healthy and healing beverage.
Sources:
1. Coffee and Cancer; www.positivelycoffee.org
2. Coffee: The New Health Food?; www.medicinenet.com
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