Coffee and Antioxidants

Coffee and Antioxidants: A Daily Dose of Defense

When you sip your morning coffee, you're not just waking up your senses—you’re giving your body a powerful boost of antioxidants. In fact, coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet, especially for people who don’t consume many fruits or vegetables.

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that contribute to aging and disease. Coffee is rich in several types of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acids and polyphenols, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The best part? Both regular and decaf coffee contain antioxidants, so you can enjoy the health benefits regardless of your caffeine preference. Just go easy on the sugar and syrups—those don’t come with any added benefits.

So next time you brew a cup, take a moment to appreciate it not just as a ritual, but as a simple way to support your health—one mug at a time.

NOTE:

While the science is strong, the FDA hasn’t stamped it with a health claim label, largely because coffee is a food product, not a regulated dietary supplement. But if you're drinking coffee for its antioxidants, you’re in good company—millions are doing the same, backed by solid evidence even without the FDA’s marketing approval.