Howdy Brian,
Excellent points :-)
Several different compounds in coffee have antioxidant effects –
caffeine, polyphenols (chlorogenic acid is the most abundant), volatile aroma
compounds and heterocyclic compounds. Plasma antioxidants increase after
coffee intake (Anderson, 2006). A typical serving of coffee contains more
antioxidants than typical servings of grape juice, blueberries, raspberries,
and oranges. Coffee is the major contributor of antioxidants in the American
diet (Halvorsen et al, 2006).
Anderson LF, Jacobs DR et al. Consumption of coffee is associated with
reduced risk of death attributed to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases
in the Iowa Women's Health Study.
Am J Clin Nutr. 83:1039-46, 2006.
Halvorsen BL, Carlsen MH, Phillips KM et al. Content of redox-active
compounds (ie, antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States. Am J
Clin
Nutr. 84:95-135, 2006.
Disclaimer -- I am not recommending coffee over fruits and vegetables as a
source of dietary antioxidants.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Ellen Coleman, MA, MPH, RD, CSSD
Sports dietitian and exercise physiologist
I can understand some of the coffee vs. energy drink arguments, but what
about the antioxidant effects of coffee/tea and other potential benefits?
Do the energy drinks share the same benefits as well as potential
drawbacks? BTW, in my opinion, soft drinks are just weak energy drinks J
Brian K. Schilling, PhD
Associate Professor, Exercise Neuromechanics Lab Director
_http://www.memphis.edu/hss/enl/_ (http://www.memphis.edu/hss/enl/)
901-678-3475
The University of Memphis
314 Roane Fieldhouse
Memphis, TN 38152
