Coffee is biggest source of antioxidants in Irish and US diet, study suggests

COFFEE is likely to contribute far more health-giving antioxidants to the Irish diet than fruit and vegetables, research suggests.

The evidence comes from the US where scientists measured the antioxidant content of more than 100 different food items, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, oils and beverages.

This information was combined with data from the US Department of Agriculture on the contribution of each food item to the average American’s diet.

Coffee emerged as easily the biggest source of antioxidants, taking account of the amount per serving and level of consumption.

Black tea came second, followed by bananas, dry beans and corn.

“Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source - nothing else comes close,” said study leader Professor Joe Vinson, from Scranton University in Pennsylvania.

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appeared to provide similar antioxidant levels.

The findings in the US probably reflect a similar trend in Ireland.

Antioxidants help to rid the body of harmful free radicals, destructive molecules that damage cells and DNA. They have been linked to a number of health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer.

Studies have associated coffee drinking with a reduced risk of liver and colon cancer, type II diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.

But Prof Vinson urged moderation, recommending that people drink only one or two cups of coffee per day.

He said it was important not to ignore the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Unfortunately, consumers are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are better for you from an overall nutritional point of view due to their higher content of vitamins, minerals and fibre,” said Prof Vinson.

The research showed that dates were the richest source of antioxidants. Cranberries and red grapes also contained high levels.