By: Chelsea Jarrell
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. According to Euromonitor International, 88.8 gallons per capita of coffee were consumed in 2016 just in the US. This has made coffee America’s number one choice, over tea and soda. Coffee has become much more than just a cup to get us through the day. What once had a negative connotation is now considered a great source of antioxidants and a clean source of caffeine. Antioxidants are substances that occur naturally or are man-made that can delay or prevent certain types of cell damage. They are known to fight free radicals in our bodies and convert them into passable substances. CoffeeScience reports that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day can actually add up to about 60% of your daily antioxidant intake. But what exactly do these antioxidants do for you, and which ones are in each cup of coffee?
5 Major Antioxidants Found:
Cafestol. Cafestol is the compound found in coffee beans themselves. Extracted during the coffee brewing process, this compound is an anti-inflammatory for the brain, which some research has shown can help improve your memory. Other research has shown that cafestol may be the antioxidant that that lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Caffeine. This is the one we all know and love. Caffeine is a substance that occurs naturally in plants such as coffee trees. Caffeine is known for making you feel wide alert and energized. Research has shown that caffeine can help with losing weight, curing headaches, and lowering the risk of diabetes.
Chlorogenic Acid. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) is found in both green coffee beans and roasted coffee beans. This acid is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. CGA has also shown in some research to increase insulin production.
Melanoidins. Melanoidins are produced from reducing amino acids and sugars during food production and preservation. This compound is the culprit behind the aroma we smell when coffee is roasted. This antioxidant also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
Trigonelline. Trigonelline is another compound that gives coffee its unique smell. This antioxidant is known for helping prevent dental caries by preventing certain types of bacteria from adhering to your teeth.
These major health benefits of coffee makes it that much more enjoyable to sip your coffee. Stop into one of our shops to get a cup full of antioxidants today, or visit OfficeNitro.com to see how you can add the coolest perk to your office by having Nitro Cold Brew on tap.
