Chicago Sun-Times . Monday August 2005 By Randolph E. SchindWhen the Ink Spots sand "I love the java jive in its loves me" in 1940 they could not have known how right they were.Coffee not only helps clear the mind and perk up the energy, it also provides more healthful antioxidants than any other food or beverage in the American diet, according to study released Sunday.Of course, too much coffee can make people jittery and even raise cholesterol levels, so food experts stress moderation on tthe coffee.The findings by Joe A. Vinson, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, give healthy boost to the warning beverage."The point is, people are getting the most antioxidants from beverages, as oppose to what you might think" Vinson said.Antioxidants, which are thought to help battle cancer and provide other health benefits, are abundant in grains, tomatoes and many other fruits and vegetables.Vinson said he was researching tea and cocoa and other foods and decided to study coffee, too.His team analyzed the antioxidants content of more than 100 different food items, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, oils and common beverages.That does not mean coffee is a substitute for fruits and vegetables. "Unfortunately, cosumers are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are better for you from an overall nutritional point of view due to their higher content of vitamins, minerals and fiber" Vinson said. AP
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