Nescafé Wellness survey: coffee agains the harmful effects of civilization

In more ways than we realize, coffee has been our silent partner in coping with the demands of the workplace.

Apart from the ordinary stress we endure at our jobs, all of us experience “oxidative stress.” This is a natural part of breathing the oxygen we need to live. Unfortunately, oxygen is also involved in the formation of harmful substances called free radicals which can damage our body’s cells.

Oxidative stress comes from other sources aside from oxygen. Environmental pollutants and even radiation from the sun can also produce oxidative stress, encouraging the formation of more free radicals.

Once formed, these unstable molecules start a toxic chain reaction which damages our cells. This, in turn, can have varying consequences such as signs of premature aging, cardiovascular diseases, degenerative diseases, cataract, cancer, immune system decline and other health problems.

Antioxidants have been linked to a number of potential health benefits. Research has linked antioxidant-rich coffee with reduced incidence of gallstones, liver cirrhosis and Type 2 diabetes. Increasing evidence also indicates coffee to be protective in model cancer studies.