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WEDNESDAY, 11 JULY 2001

N A T I O N A L N E W S S T O R Y

More coffee, fewer wrinkles – study 11 July 2001

By LOIS WATSON A cup of coffee a day could help keep the wrinkles away.

Scientists at the University of Sydney have discovered that coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals that attack and break down healthy tissue and cause ageing.

Leading New Zealand nutritionist and professor of food, nutrition, and health at Massey University, John Birkbeck, said that until now there had been very little research into the antioxidant potential of coffee.

"It is evident from the research that antioxidants occur naturally in coffee. We know antioxidants or polyphenols can neutralise free radicals before they can cause damage and thus can help slow the ageing process," Professor Birkbeck said.

"And just as fruits, vegetables, cereals, tea, and red wine are all dietary sources of antioxidants, so is instant coffee. Now coffee drinkers can enjoy a cup of their favourite beverage and know they are also getting the benefits of antioxidants," he said.

The research conducted at the University of Sydney measured the antioxidant potential of instant coffee.

The study has recommended that instant coffee be included with other plant-based beverages such as tea, drinking chocolate, and wine as a significant contributor to antioxidant intake.

WAIT A MINUTE!!! Instant coffee??? What about the real stuff?

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

Answers

If coffee is good for one, that is excellent news for me, but it would have to be regular. It is a general rule, if not a universal rule, that instant is made from the inferior robusta beans. Anyway, I can't stand it.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

By tea they would mean green tea (preferrably decaffeinated). Chocolate is dark chocolate only. Wine is really just the red grapes juice (so the skins?), not the alcohol fraction, it's not necessary.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001