ARTICLE
COFFEE NUTRITIOUS?
by Roberta Gonzales
October 14, 2009
There’s something about sitting down to a nice café latte at a sidewalk bistro or getting a brew to start you off on your day. Although, coffee has been around for generations, there has been new studies on it’s health benefits. Benefits that range from helping boost energy and metabolism before exercise to having antibacterial properties such as deterring cavity forming bacteria. Raves of it’s antioxidant properties were studied by researchers which findings resulted in a possible link to lowering risk for liver, breast & colon cancer, diabetes, gallstones and even Parkinson’s disease.
The newest research in October 2009 links the antioxidant “trigonelline” or “trig” to having phytoestrogenic properties similar to that found in soy beans. Coffee contains approximately 1% dry weight of trigonelline. The antioxidant is responsible for it’s flavor and aroma.
Although, coffee has had it’s share of research controversies –moderation is always the key. Note that health professionals advise against consumption for pregnant mothers due to increasing risk for spontaneous abortions – FDA advisory. Children should have limited intake as well. If your being treated for cardiovascular disease or stroke or have heart palpatations it is advised to drink under the supervision of your doctor.
Nonetheless, coffee with it’s nutrient content may be a healthy addition to your diet, in moderation of course. It is advised to always check with your physician when modifying your diet.
TIPS:
Add some coffee to your favorite chocolate dessert to heighten the chocolate flavor. So next time your making some fudge brownies sprinkle some premium instant coffee into the dough before baking.
Ground instant coffee to a powdery consistency and sprinkle on some yogurt, ice cream or creamy dessert.
Footnotes:
Kimberly F. Allred3, Katarina M. Yackley3, Jairam Vanamala4,5 and Clinton D. Allred; “Trigonelline Is a Novel Phytoestrogen in Coffee Beans”; Journal of Nutrition, doi:10.3945/jn.109.108001
Vol. 139, No. 10, 1833-1838, October 2009.
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