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Does Coffee Have Antioxidants?

Coffee DOES have antioxidants.

Coffee contains a high amount of antioxidants in the U.S diet, according to a study by University of Scranton researchers. The amount of antioxidants in coffee does not differ between caffeinated or decaffeinated, and the amount of coffee consumed by Americans makes it the primary source of antioxidants, exceeding the amount in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oils. Brewed coffee contains disease preventative polyphenal antioxidants, such as flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanidins, and flavan-3-ols.

The Benefits of Coffee

Although the high amount of antioxidants in foods do not always result in identical levels found in the body, the consumption of coffee has been linked to numerous health benefits, including prevention  of liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, and type 2 diabetes.  Antioxidants consumed help prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals,  which not only leads to cancers mentioned above, but also to muscle degeneration, and heart disease.  Free radicals cause oxidation of neighboring cells and cause other nearby cells to react in an unstable and erratic manner. With the help of antioxidants, these free radicals are slowed down which then prevents disease. Researchers state that you must consume one or two cups a day to benefit from the antioxidant benefits of coffee.