Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. Raw beans contain approximately 1,000 different antioxidants, and additional antioxidants are released during brewing. That's why so many people consider coffee to be the best natural source of antioxidants. What antioxidants can you find in coffee? And what are their properties? We'll tell you!
Is coffee an antioxidant and what does that mean?
Coffee itself is not an antioxidant. However, its beans contain antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which is believed to reduce the risk of prostate, breast, and uterine cancers and may inhibit and delay the action of oxidants.
Antioxidants in coffee also reduce oxidative stress levels in the body, which are responsible for weakened immunity and accelerated aging. Furthermore, the long-term harmful effects of free radicals lead to damage to cells responsible for the proper functioning of the entire body – DNA, fats, and proteins. Therefore, it's crucial to supplement your diet with antioxidants daily. Supplements can be just as helpful as drinking 2-3 cups of coffee. However, remember that a varied diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is the best way to combat free radicals.
Coffee as an antioxidant - antioxidant properties
Coffee and antioxidants are a topic that interests researchers in the scientific world. There are numerous studies 1 , which confirm that coffee contains large amounts of polyphenols and a group of compounds with antioxidant properties. These include: methylxanthines, chlorogenic acids, lactones, chlorogenic acids, phenolic acids, furans, tannins, minerals, pyrroles, catechins, and niacin, which is produced from trigonelline during the roasting process. These compounds contribute to coffee's properties, which are valued by people around the world.
In some countries, coffee is a mandatory part of the diet. For example, Italians, Spaniards, and Norwegians value it for its inflammation-reducing properties. And that's not the only effect coffee has on the body. An infusion of dark, bitter, and aromatic beans stimulates the body and improves oxygenation. Consequently, concentration improves and fatigue disappears. Coffee also has a beneficial effect on digestion and overall well-being.
How to brew coffee to preserve its antioxidant properties?
To get the best from coffee beans, it needs to be brewed and served properly. You'll get the highest concentration of polyphenols by brewing freshly ground coffee. It doesn't matter whether you grind the beans in a hand grinder just before brewing or use an espresso machine. How you store your coffee is more important. Store the beans in an airtight container to prevent oxidation.
It doesn't matter what type of coffee you choose, although some studies have shown that Robusta steeped in boiling water and brewed for 5 minutes had the highest antioxidant index of all the coffees tested. The same study also found that extending the brewing time did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity of the brews tested. 2 .
Now you know the properties of coffee and how its polyphenols work. So, drink no more than 400 mg of coffee per day for good health.
[1] Daglia M., Papetti A., Gregotti C., Berte F., Gazzani G.: In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo protective activities of green and roasted coffee. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2000; 48: 1449–1454.
[2] Chłopicka J., Niedziela A., Bartoń H.: Antioxidant and total activity. Polyphenol content in coffee infusions depending on the type of coffee and its preparation method, BROMAT. CHEM. TOXICOL. – XLVIII, 2015, 3, pp. 278 – 282.
