Yes it smells amazing, tastes divine and helps stimulate our senses so we can take on the day, but it’s healthy too. Drinking coffee regularly is associated with a wide variety of health benefits. The unique antioxidant profile found in coffee helps contribute to our heart health and liver function, protects against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and even skin cancer. Researchers at the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany have found yet another reason to regularly drink coffee; to help enhance and maintain the integrity of our DNA.
[quote]Coffee substantially lowered the level of spontaneous DNA strand breaks – T. Bakuradza[/quote]
How Coffee Protects our DNA
These new findings support previous research done regarding coffee’s effect on oxidative damage. This latest investigation found that by consuming coffee, individuals experienced fewer breaks to the DNA strands in white blood cells. Supporting the evidence that coffee helps to reduce the oxidative damage that can harm DNA.
Green coffee beans were recently a big fad in health supplements. However it is shown that much of the benefits coffee has to offer are due to the roasting process. Chlorogenic acids for example yields a variety of health boosting characteristics, acting as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) is found to increase the level of antioxidant enzymes present in the cell, cleansing the cell of harmful molecules known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
[box]Reactive oxygen species can do some serious harm to our cells, damaging proteins which can cause breaks in our DNA. These ROS are a natural byproduct of the metabolic process, but when antioxidant levels aren’t high enough to keep them in check, they pose a serious health risk. Leading to cellular mutations and potentially cancer.[/box]
Coffee and DNA Study
This most recent study examined 84 healthy men for 4 weeks. Half the men were given 750 ml of a special roasted Arabica coffee, and half were given 750 ml of water each day.
Before the study commenced, both groups showed similar levels of spontaneous DNA breaks. Over the course of the study, the coffee group showed a 27% overall difference in spontaneous DNA breaks, a significant difference to say the least.
[quote]We conclude that regular coffee consumption contributes to DNA integrity. – T. Bakuradza[/quote]
Take Home Message
Drinking coffee may not single handedly stave off cancer and other harmful cellular mutations, but it can certainly help. This latest study just adds to the laundry list of health benefits coffee has to offer. Just be sure to avoid adding sugar and creamer in order to maximize these benefits.
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