Did you know that there are tons antioxidants in coffee? In fact, the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet is coffee. This follows a growing number of reports of even more potential health benefits of drinking coffee.

According to a new study by researchers at the University Of Scranton PA., Americans get more of their antioxidants from drinking coffee than any other dietary source and nothing else even comes close.

The research team analyzed the antioxidant content of more than 100 different food items, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, oils and common beverages.

The results are surprising because it represents the first time that coffee has been shown to be the primary source of antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are generally promoted as good sources of antioxidants but coffee has now topped the list of high antioxidant foods.

So what are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells in the body against damage acting as a defense against oxidative damage. Some of the sources of oxidants are cigarette smoke, air pollutants, radiation and tissue inflammation.

The role of an antioxidant is to help reduce oxidation reactions and thus reduce damage to body tissues. Antioxidants have been linked to a number of potential health benefits, including protection against heart disease and most forms of cancer.

Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and melanoidins are all the types of antioxidants found in coffee. N-methylpyridinium, found in coffee, has also been identified as an anti-oxidant.

Several studies have shown that a sufficient intake of dietary antioxidants, including drinking coffee, may help in preventing or postponing the onset of degenerative diseases.

Coffee is one of a number of drinks that contain a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are also found in tea, cocoa and red wine. But there are four times more antioxidants in coffee than in tea.

Even though the thought that antioxidants in coffee could reduce the risk of heart disease and other diseases, the reality is we all drink coffee because we enjoy the taste as well as the caffeine boost we all have grown accustomed to. But for coffee lovers it never hurts to know that the high antioxidants in coffee are actually good for you.