Is Coffee An Antioxidant? Antioxidant Power of Coffee You Didn't Know

The Powerful Scoop of Coffee Beans

Ultimately, there is no better way to start your day than a morning cup of coffee. After all, drinking coffee is known to give a "wake-up" effect on our bodies. As such, it boosts our mental focus, stimulates our physical energy, and enables us to lead an overall productive day. Not only that, a cup of coffee is one way to improve your metabolism and ward off negative emotions. With that said, having a glorious sip of coffee is an essential part of one's routine.

In addition to that, drinking a daily cup of coffee is not just a powerful morning boost. Contrary to what everyone says, a coffee beverage is also packed with a handful of nutrients and antioxidants. In fact, coffee is ranked to be the # 1 source of antioxidants in American diets. This is in comparison with other various foods or beverages. This is based on the statistic that American adults have a coffee intake of five hundred million cups in just a day. Moreover, experts believe that drinking coffee can lead to improved brain function, a healthy heart, and life longevity. But of course, to maximize the benefits of coffee, one should consume it moderately and in recommended amounts.

The truth about coffee beans as a powerful scoop for health and wellness has been backed by several research studies. To date, there are about six (6) antioxidants found in coffee. Moreover, there are also a lot of potential health benefits associated with getting your daily cups of coffee. In fact, it can lessen your risk of contracting specific illnesses and diseases. The benefits vary, depending on what kind of coffee you incorporate into your daily routine.

Now, let's get into detail about the different antioxidants that are present in your coffee. While we're at it, let us name its six antioxidants and a couple other nutrients. Let's also talk about the different ways you can boost up its "healthful" effects. In line with that, we will also go over the health benefits that a cup of coffee can provide to our bodies.

The Six Antioxidants in Coffee

In the year 2005, the American Cocoa Association (ACA) conducted a study about coffee. According to the results, there are not only one, but six antioxidants present in coffee.

1. Cafestol

   Cafestol is typically extracted from coffee beans. It is also called coffee oils because this diterpene is naturally present in caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. For its benefits, several research studies show that cafestol can help metabolize and regulate body cholesterol.

   Moreover, cafestol can modulate the intestine. It also consists of anti-inflammatory content that can improve memory and brain functions.

2. Trigonelline

   Trigonelline is largely responsible for the coffee's bitter taste and strong aroma. Apart from this, it is also rich in anti-bacterial components that may help alleviate dental problems. On a side note, the trigonelline content in coffee is more than that of green tea. Specifically, you can get more of this if you drink Arabica coffee instead of Robusta coffee.

   This compound degrades instantly when undergoes a roasting process to form nicotinic acid and pyridines. In simple logic, the lighter the roast, the more Trigonelline content left.

   Simply put, it is the base formed in the seeds of most plants. In this case, in coffee beans. For its benefits, trigonelline is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic, and antioxidant properties.

3. Chlorogenic Acids

   Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the phenolic compounds found in coffee beans. It is dubbed the "core player" out of all antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties found in coffee. As such, it contains many health benefits such as; aiding weight loss, regulating blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels, improving overall mood, and helping the body fight infections.

   With that, chlorogenic acid is really rich in anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic components. In fact, it may be a good option for a non-pharmacological and non-invasive approach to treating and preventing chronic diseases. It is a natural and effective medicine for the body. Whether it is caffeinated or decaffeinated, there is an abundance of chlorogenic acid in your coffee.

4. Menaloidins

   Menaloidins are brown nitrogen-rich polymers that are the result of a roasting process of coffee. That's why menaloidins are one of the factors that make up coffee's unique aroma. As a matter of fact, it comprises up to 25% of coffee, which may still increase when the coffee beans undergo a more extreme roasting process.

   This compound is also known to generate a number of beneficial health properties. Aside from containing antioxidant compounds, it also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. To add, it can also take responsibility for the body's antihypertensive and prebiotic activities.

5. Quinine

   One of the most appealing descriptions of coffee is its bitter yet flavorful taste. The one responsible for that is a compound called quinine. As such, the bitter taste of coffee beans can be adjusted accordingly by increasing or reducing the quinine content. This compound is so powerful that it is one of the main sources of antioxidant properties in coffee. It gives your body an antioxidant therapy that can help replenish body cells and improve overall human health.

   Quinine can produce a number of body healing properties. For one, it can be used as a natural treatment for malaria, a mosquito-borne disease. Additionally, it can also alleviate the symptoms of leg cramps, vascular spasms, and varicose veins. What's more, it can also help cure serious health complications such as internal hemorrhoids and associated febrile states.

6. Caffeine

   Caffeine is one of the most powerful antioxidants there is. While caffeine is often viewed as something negative, it actually has a lot of positive effects on our bodies. For one, it helps the body process glucose (commonly known as sugar) better. It is also said to be good for your liver.

   Moreover, caffeine has its own health benefits for the heart. As such, it can help lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, commonly known as heart disease. Plus, since it can increase energy levels, it allows you to exercise daily or move vigorously all throughout the day. After all, moving your body regularly is one way to keep your heart healthy - am I right?

   Being that as may, caffeine consumption should be limited to up to 400 milligrams per day. This is the safety standard for all adults drinking coffee. Still, the number may vary according to people's sensitivity toward caffeine.

   Ways to Boost Antioxidants and Vitamins in Coffee

   

• Sprinkle it up with some Cinnamon

  Let's get started by sprinkling some cinnamon into your cup of coffee. This will significantly change the bitter taste of coffee to something better. Not only that, but a sprinkle of cinnamon can also boost the nutritious content of your coffee. It can help lower blood glucose, body cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetics. Plus, it can even aid a healthy weight loss diet!

  According to various studies, cinnamon can also help maintain a healthy heart and a highly functional brain. It can also help you manage a decreased risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer by strengthening your overall immune system.

  In essence, you don't need to add sugar or any other artificial sweetener to enjoy a sweet-tasting coffee in the morning. Still, make sure to only add moderate amounts of cinnamon to your coffee. Say, just add cinnamon in a generous pinch, or 1/4 of a teaspoon of cinnamon to ensure you are not beyond the recommended amount.

• Ginger up your Coffee

  Want to add some extra spice and aromatic blend to your coffee? Then, let go of your regular coffee and put some ginger into it and get a ton of health benefits in return. One of its primary benefits is that it can help aid the digestion process. With that said, it can reduce heart or acid in the stomach.

  As a result, it can decrease congestion and the risks of constipation. It helps relax the digestive system and alleviate joint pain. Moreover, it can also help cure skin irritation or rashes.

  Additionally, ginger is a natural medicine for nausea. Not only is it a good source of antioxidants, but it also contains anti-inflammatory compounds.

  Overall, adding ginger to your daily dose of coffee will replenish your body with a lot of health benefits. Just simply sprinkle up to one teaspoon of ginger directly into your cup of coffee.

• Boost it more with Mushrooms

  Well, you've probably never heard of this combination, but hey, you must try it out! For starters, a mushroom-filled brew can fill your regular coffee with a lot of health benefits. Not only is mushroom an antioxidant, but it also contains antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. In addition to that, it can also boost and strengthen one's immune system and aid the digestion process.

  Moreover, it can help produce a decreased risk of liver disease because of its prebiotic components. Since mushroom is a low-calorie source of fiber, they can be a good option for those people who are trying to shed a few pounds. Plus, it's a good source of protein too!

  By adding some mushrooms to your coffee, expect to get a delicate blend of mushroom extract and coffee beans. This will definitely make a good sip of coffee that will make your day instantly.

• Add a dose of Tumeric

  Adding turmeric to your coffee is also a good way to enhance its flavor. It makes a gentle, warm flavor, and a good scent of turmeric and coffee combined. Of course, it's not just all about that. But be careful not to add too much though, otherwise, it might overpower the natural bitterness of the coffee.

  Furthermore, turmeric can also provide your body with a lot of health benefits. First, it is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. To add, it helps improve the digestion process —boosting the metabolism and aiding weight loss in return. It also has the ability to detoxify the liver and manage cholesterol levels.

  Since turmeric contains curcumin, it is rich in anti-inflammation compounds, too. Apart from that, it has been proven scientifically that turmeric can help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

  To maximize the health benefits of turmeric, add some healthy fats like coconut milk, too. Moreover, you can also sprinkle a pinch of black pepper while you're at it.

• Balance it with Maca

  Why don't you buy some maca power too and add it to your coffee? Maca powder is made from roasted maca root. As such, adding it to your coffee will give it a more creamy and nutty texture. To add, it will also give your coffee a good aroma!

  Maca powder is abundant in elevated levels of iron and iodine. This is what enables the powder to keep your body cells healthy. Moreover, it can also help aid digestion due to its high doses of potassium. As a side effect, it can also boost your body's overall metabolism. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as a handful of calcium and amino acids. All in all, it contains a total of 20 amino acids and 20 free-form fatty acids.

  However nutritious it may be, it should still be consumed moderately. At most, you should only consume one to three teaspoons of maca every day.

The Health Benefits of Coffee

• Works Against Cognitive Decline

  To reiterate, coffee can improve brain activity and memory. In line with this, it may also work against cognitive declines such as Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of dementia. This is due to the intervention of caffeine in the buildup of beta-amyloid plaque which is usually the "progressive" start of Alzheimer’s.

  Moreover, since coffee is proven to have anti-diabetic properties, it offers a reduced risk of developing dementia. This is because various research studies show that dementia is heavily associated with diabetes.

• Reduced Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

  As mentioned above, drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of diabetes. This is because some components of the coffee help use insulin and protect the insulin-generating cells, which ultimately allows for healthy regulation of blood sugar. Moreover, coffee can help heal and prevent tissue damage. Not only that, but it is also a powerful drink that can combat inflammation in the body.

  Interestingly, the caffeic acid in the coffee is found to be an effective component in reducing the abnormal buildup of protein deposits, also called amyloid fibrils, that are found in people with type 2 diabetes.

• Boosts Exercise Performance

  Contrary to popular belief, coffee is actually a very hydrating drink - which makes it a good pre-and post-workout drink. Moreover, coffee can help alleviate muscle fatigue, allowing your body to exercise some more.

  As such, caffeine has the ability to enhance body performance and endurance. Apart from alleviating the symptoms of fatigue, it also strengthens muscle contraction. In return, it enhances your ability to handle pain. To add, it increases the number of fatty acids in your blood, which signifies that coffee supports your endurance, too.

• Lessens Risk for Cancers

  The components found in coffee, namely; Polyphenols and antioxidant phytochemicals, are rich in anticarcinogenic properties. Hence, drinking coffee can help lessen the risk for certain types of cancer such as endometrial cancer for women and prostate cancer for men. Moreover, it can lower one's risk of liver, breast, rectal, and colon cancer.

  Additionally, since coffee also has anti-inflammatory properties, it can intervene in the development of tumors, which may, later on, lead to cancer.

• Helps Produce "Happy" Hormones

  There are various research studies that can attest that coffee can indeed help curb depression and other negative emotions. This is because caffeine can activate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can control mood and are sometimes referred to as "happy" hormones, together with endorphins, and oxytocin.

  As a result, drinking coffee is heavily associated with a lower risk for depression and other negative emotions. Take for example how your daily cup of coffee can make immediately make your day.

Should You Add Coffee to Your Routine or Not?

Indeed, coffee is one powerful drink. Who would've thought that this bitter yet delicate tasting, with unique aroma, drink reeks with so much health benefits? In fact, with just one glorious sip as soon as you wake up, you will be fully charged to accomplish your to-do tasks all throughout the day. As such, it will instantly stimulate your physical energy, as well as boost your mental sharpness—allowing you to lead an amazingly productive day!

In line with that, the Berkey water filters are the perfect tool to use in making your daily dose of coffee. These are portable water purifiers that will allow you to make a good blend between your coffee powder and purified water.

So, should you add coffee to your routine or not? Despite the many benefits of coffee, it still depends on you, your preference, your body sensitivity towards caffeine, and your present health condition. Yes, coffee is a good source of antioxidants and a handful of vitamins and minerals, but it is not the only drink that provides such nutrients. Ultimately, if the taste of coffee is not appetizing enough for you, you can explore other healthy drinks that will give you just as much health benefits.

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