Coffee is the third most consumed beverage in the world. There are a lot of coffee variants out there to try such as espresso, latte, cappuccino, and black rifle coffee. These coffee types have milk and sugar involved which will not be recommended for a healthy diet. We will discuss the only positive benefits of coffee.

 

There are many minerals in coffee that enhance the perks of drinking coffee. Coffee is a good source of antioxidants which makes it one of the top antioxidant drinks. We will explore antioxidants in this article. What are antioxidants good for? How they make coffee one of the good antioxidant drinks. And some fun facts about coffee drinkers.

Coffee and Its Nutritional Power

Our body needs some essentials to work properly or sometimes to boost its mechanisms. To cater to all these needs, are many types of foods (solid or liquid) consumed. One of these is Coffee. Coffee is the best source of antioxidants, caffeine, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3).

Each of the components found in coffee is important and can be valuable if appropriately consumed. With all these nutrients, coffee can be beneficial in various ways. It can lower the risk of certain types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, and depression/anxiety. With all these organic coffee benefits, it also can boost the brain and heart health.

Understanding Antioxidants | What Are Antioxidants Good for?

Coffee is a good source of antioxidants and these chemicals have many beneficial impacts on the human body. To understand antioxidants, we must know about oxidants first.

Oxidants

The oxidation process damages cell membranes and other structures. Free radicals are released when oxygen is metabolized. Free radicals damage DNA and other body cells. A very high level of oxidants over a long time in the human body can lead to some serious health issues like heart and liver diseases. Some common causes of oxidation acceleration are

• Alcohol
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Sunlight

Free radicals can damage DNA and it can be the cause of LDL (low-density lipoprotein/bad cholesterol). An excessive amount of free radicals for a long period forms a condition called oxidant stress in the human body. Oxidant stress leads to chronic diseases by damaging cells.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the chemicals that fight back the free radicals. There are a lot of sources to get them but coffee is the best source of antioxidants. They can prevent several disease risks by consuming over time. They can fight to reduce the risk of heart & liver diseases, chronic diseases, and certain types of cancers.

Does Coffee Contain Antioxidants?

Coffee is a good source of antioxidants that makes organic coffee benefits more accurate. There are other minerals in coffee as well. But antioxidants are in a good ratio that’s why coffee is one of the top antioxidants drinks. The following chemicals in coffee react as antioxidants to the human body:

• Caffeine 
• Chlorogenic Acids
• Coffee Maillard Reaction Products

Caffeine

Caffeine is a component found in coffee that stimulates the central nervous system. By stimulating brain cells, it helps to focus and boost the memory. The amount of caffeine in coffee can be different according to the coffee beans. The solid amount of caffeine makes it one of the top antioxidant drinks.

For example, Robusta coffee beans have a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee beans. And increases the perks of drinking coffee. The caffeine content amount also can vary in different types of brewing methods. Espresso has more caffeine content than other brewed coffees.

Chlorogenic Acids

Chlorogenic acid is a polyphenol compound found in coffee that contains some trans-cinnamic acids such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Chlorogenic acid is not only antioxidant but also has anti-inflammatory effects. Chlorogenic acid reduces anxiety levels which help in focus and memory boosting. It also increases blood flow and makes the body’s muscles active and alert. That’s why coffee is considered one of the good antioxidant drinks.

Coffee Maillard Reaction Products

While making coffee, there are some reactions that happen, by these reactions some products. Some of them are pyrazines, pyrroles, thiols, furans, furanones, pyridines, and thiophenes. These reaction products are responsible for the positive benefits of coffee. 

Comparing Coffee’s Antioxidants with Other Popular Beverages

Coffee vs. Green Tea

Coffee has a lower rate of antioxidants compared to green tea. Green tea has a long lasting energy booster. Whale coffee has a rapid jolt of energy but for a short time. The recommended flavor in green tea is fresh and vegetable flavor while in coffee the strong roasted flavor is a good choice.

Coffee vs. Dark Chocolate

Coffee and dark chocolate have a good amount of antioxidants. But dark chocolate has a higher rate of flavanols.

Coffee vs. Red Wine

With habitual consumption of coffee, it is beneficial to the heart. It reduces heart failure, diabetes risks, and liver diseases. So as wine consuming too much can lead to some serious health issues including excessive high blood pressure, addiction, caffeine dependency.

Final Words | Is Coffee a Healthy Antioxidant-Rich Drink?

Coffee is a healthy antioxidant-rich drink. It has all the essential stimulants that can boost the brain cells and body’s muscles. It also reduces the risks of heart, liver, and lung diseases. Coffee boosts the metabolism rate and can help to control weight. That’s why coffee is a good addition to your weight-loss diet plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Antioxidants

Why coffee is so popular?

Coffee is so popular due to its flavor and energy-boosting profile. It stimulates the brain cells which help in sharpening memory and maintaining focus.

What are antioxidants good for?

Antioxidants are good for preventing several disease risks by consuming over time. They can fight to reduce the risk of heart & liver diseases, chronic diseases, and certain types of cancers.

What is the most powerful antioxidant?

The most powerful antioxidant is chlorogenic acid in coffee.

Is drinking antioxidants good for you?

Drinking antioxidants are good for your brain and body health. They can also help you to lose weight.