In this article we'll review phytochemicals and the role they play coffee's chemical composition. You'll learn about coffee phytochemicals including their benefits and coffee's role in a healthy diet.
What are Phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants.
These molecules often have antioxidant properties and can help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, causing inflammation and disease.
Keep in mind coffee seeds, or beans, are the coffee plant's fruit. The coffee bean is actually the seed of the coffee plant. So the coffee plant's seeds contain coffee's phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals in Food
Common foods that you'll find phytochemicals in include coffee, tea, dark chocolate, and red wine.
Red wine contains resveratrol, coffee contains chlorogenic acids, and tea contains catechins.
Dark chocolate is an example of a food where the cocoa bean itself is a source of phytochemicals.
Coffee, in particular, is a rich source of phytochemicals. Coffee beans contain over 1,000 different molecules.
Phytochemicals in Coffea Arabica and Robusta
Although there are variations between the two coffee species, coffee phytochemicals are found in both Coffea Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. The coffee plant produces over 1,000 different chemical compounds that contribute to the coffee's unique flavor and aroma, including caffeine, melanoidins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Caffeine is the most well-known coffee phytochemical and is responsible for coffee's stimulating effects. Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and guarana berries. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness.
Melanoidins are coffee phytochemicals that contribute to coffee's brown color and roasted flavor. They are formed during the coffee roasting process when sugars and amino acids react with each other. Melanoidins also have antioxidant properties and may help to protect cells from damage.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are coffee phytochemicals that contribute to coffee's unique aroma. VOCs are released when coffee beans are roasted and ground. Some common VOCs found in coffee include acetic acid, ethanol, and coffee oil.
Coffee phytochemicals play a role in the coffee's taste, aroma, and stimulating effects.
Other Types of Phytochemicals Found in Coffee
A number of different coffee phytochemicals have been studied for their potential health benefits, including:
- Caffeic acid
- Chlorogenic acids
- Quinides
- Trigonelline
- Hydroxycinnamic acids
- Diterpenes
Caffeic Acid
Caffeic acid is a coffee phytochemical that belongs to a class of molecules known as phenols.
Phenols are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables and have antioxidant properties.
Caffeic acid has been shown to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and may also help reduce inflammation.
Chlorogenic Acid
Chlorogenic acid is a coffee phytochemical that has antioxidant properties. This compound helps to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Chlorogenic acid also has been shown to coffee's role in a healthy diet.
Quinides
Quinides are coffee phytochemicals that belong to a class of molecules known as quinones.
Quinones are found in a variety of plants and have antioxidant properties.
Coffee quinides have been shown to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and may also help reduce inflammation.
Trigonelline
Trigonelline is a coffee phytochemical that has been shown to have antimicrobial properties.
This compound helps to protect cells against damage caused by bacteria and other microbes.
Trigonelline also has been shown to coffee's role in a healthy diet.
Hydroxycinnamic Acids
Hydroxycinnamic acids are coffee phytochemicals that belong to a class of molecules known as phenols.
Phenols are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables and have antioxidant properties.
Hydroxycinnamic acids have been shown to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and may also help reduce inflammation.
Diterpenes
Diterpenes are coffee phytochemicals that belong to a class of molecules known as terpenes.
Terpenes are found in a variety of plants and have antioxidant properties.
Coffee diterpenes have been shown to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and may also help reduce inflammation.
Health Benefits
The primary health benefit phytochemicals yield is that they protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Examples of damage from free radicals include inflammation problems like arthritis, and heart disease.
Coffee phytochemicals also help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes.
Furthermore, coffee phytochemicals have been shown to boost cognitive function and protect the brain from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
What the Research Shows
Research has shown that coffee contains a variety of different phytochemicals, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, coffee oil, and diterpenes.
These phytochemicals work together to provide the coffee's many health benefits.
One interesting study found that coffee phytochemicals could even help to prevent skin cancer.
Another study showed that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and stroke.
The role of Phytochemicals in Human Nutrition
While the role these chemicals play in nutrition still being studied, the evidence so far suggests that they are important for maintaining good health.
Human beings have been consuming coffee for centuries, and the coffee plant has evolved to produce a variety of different phytochemicals that are beneficial to our health.
This is why coffee is considered to be something of a superfood.
FAQ
How do coffee phytochemicals affect the body?
Coffee phytochemicals have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help to protect the body against conditions such as cancer and heart disease. They may also help to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
What are the most common coffee phytochemicals?
The most common coffee phytochemicals are chlorogenic acids, caffeine, and trigonelline. These compounds have been shown to have health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects.
Are phytochemicals safe?
Phytochemicals are generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, coffee contains caffeine which can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and stomach upset. It is important to speak with a healthcare practitioner before consuming coffee if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.
What are the potential side effects of phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, coffee contains caffeine which can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and stomach upset. It is important to speak with a healthcare practitioner before consuming coffee if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.
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