Cafeducation Ph.D.

This entry of the Bean Blog is really cutting edge, hence the Cafeducation Ph.D., it is something I came across in researching antioxidants and I found this really interesting.  I have tried to summarize as best as possible in this post. Hope you enjoy!
We already know that coffee has one of the highest concentration of antioxidants and we have all heard that it is good for us to be taking antioxidants either in the form of foods like coffee, chocolate, blueberries or some exotic berry from the Amazon (really, why is it that all the really high potency antioxidants always seem to come from some exotic fruit of the tropics?)...anyway, suffice it to say, we are inundated with hype on the virtue of getting antioxidants, the more, the better. Now we even have ORAC values that measure antioxidant concentration! You know you have reached a critical mass when you have a new unit of measurement that requires a pocket scientist to figure out.


Antioxidants VS Free Radicals-A childlike rendition
copyright The Office Bean



So just as we try to figure out what exactly an ORAC is, recent research over the last few years has discovered a new protein in the human body called Nrf2. Nrf2 mostly lies inactive in many of the cells of the body until there is a triggering from either a large excess of free radicals, or a trigger agent, called an Nrf2 activator that causes the protein to become active. When this protein is active it is a super powerful antioxidant generator. It can clean up those free radicals like no Amazonian berry! When you compare the capability of this protein with generating antioxidants to those you ingest through food or supplements, there is no contest.  Our body has within it, it's own antioxidant generator! 

Once this pathway has been triggered, it has amazing detoxifying effects, anti aging benefits as well as immune support benefits and neuroprotective capabilities. There are a number of papers that have been published in peer reviewed journals on various compounds that up regulate this pathway and it's effects on various diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, various cancers and many others. Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies are spending millions of dollars acquiring technology in this area for new supplements and medications. This looks to be the next big evolution in the industry!

So, I know you are asking, what are the triggers? Well it turns out there are a few foods that contain Nrf2 activators like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, blueberries, cinnamon just to name a few...and... you guessed it....COFFEE! So next time you have your afternoon latte, you can know that not only are you getting antioxidants but you are generating them too!