You’ve probably heard about antioxidants, but maybe you’re not sure what they are or what they do? Or maybe you do? Good on you. Our copywriter didn’t have a clue before he got started, but after hours of intensive research he’s almost an expert—so is dying to share the results with you.
First, What Aren’t Antioxidants?
They aren’t a fad. They aren’t an internet rumour. They aren’t a cure-all for everything.
But they are a real thing.
Antioxidants are molecules that fight, and slow damage caused to cells by free radicals in your body.
Free Radicals What Are They, Then?
For a definition, let’s turn to spy novelist extraordinaire Ian Fleming:
Scene: A Mi-5 office. M sits at his desk as Bond swaggers in.
M: “Too many free radicals. That's your problem.”
James Bond: “Free radicals, sir?”
M: “Yes. They're toxins that destroy the body and the brain, caused by eating too much red meat and white bread and too many dry martinis!”
James Bond: “Then I shall cut out the white bread, sir.”
Or you could drink antioxidant coffee, Mr. Bond.
Huh, Antioxidants Are In Coffee?
Antioxidants are produced in your body and also found in foods, especially fruits and vegetables. A few good antioxidant sources are blueberries, strawberries, artichokes and spinach (proving Popeye was right on about eating your greens).
Antioxidants can be also derived from a drink–and coffee is its name-o. Studies show that coffee is one of the highest sources of antioxidants in the human diet and is rich in several powerful antioxidants, including hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols. Hydrocinnamic acids are effective at neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.
Scientists have identified approximately 1,000 antioxidants in unprocessed coffee beans, and hundreds more pop (like genies) into existence during the roasting process.
Let’s Turn To Research
But enough waxing lyrical about antioxidants—and instead close with a quote from a real research paper.
“Epidemiological and experimental evidence increasingly suggests coffee consumption to be correlated to prevention or delay of degenerative diseases connected with oxidative cellular stress.”
In other words, antioxidants in coffee can inhibit the oxidation (anti-oxidant, getit?) process by neutralising free radicals. This means antioxidants disarm free radicals, and this may protect against negatives like aging and many other ills.
The science has it.