Coffee as anti oxidant

Coffee might soon be considered a health drink, rich source of anti-cancer agents.

Hontributes more antioxidants - which have been linked with fighting heart disease and cancer - to the diet than cranberries, apples or tomatoes.

Fruit and vegetables have long been known to be a good source of antioxidants

However, that the study did not prove that coffee was good for you because high levels of antioxidants in food did not necessarily translate into higher levels absorbed by the body.


Antioxidants help to rid the body of harmful free radicals, destructive molecules that damage cells and DNA. They have been linked to a number of health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer. Studies have associated coffee drinking with a reduced risk of liver and colon cancer, type two diabetes, and Parkinson's disease.

Recommending that people should drink only one or two cups of coffee per day. He added that it was important not to ignore the benefits offered by fresh fruit and vegetables. "Unfortunately, consumers are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are better for you from an overall nutritional point of view to their higher content of vitamins, minerals and fibre," he said.

Compared with other foods, dates were the richest source of antioxidants. But since so few dates are eaten by people they only contributed a small amount of antioxidants to the average person's diet. Cranberries and red grapes also contain high levels of antioxidants.

Moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups a day not only is perfectly safe but may confer health benefits."


* BENEFITS

Can increase alertness and improve short-term recall.

May reduce the risk of cirrhosis of the liver among heavy drinkers.

May postpone muscle fatigue.

Contains caffeine-related compounds (theophylline) that can alleviate the symptoms of asthma in some cases.

* RISKS

Increases blood pressure among people who already suffer from high blood pressure.

Causes insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.

May worsen symptoms of PMS in some women.

Can reduce fertility in women trying to conceive.

Can cause heartburn and indigestion.