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Researchers in the US have found that coffee can contribute far more healthy antioxidants to the average diet than fruit and vegetables.
Antioxidants rid the body of free radicals – destructive molecules that can damage DNA and cause cancer and heart disease.
The US team measured the antioxidant content of more than 100 products, including nuts, spices, oils, fruits, vegetables and beverages.
Coffee was found to be easily the biggest provider per serving, with black tea second and bananas, dry beans and corn also good sources.
Professor Joe Vinson, of Scranton University, Pennsylvania, who led the study, said: "Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source - nothing else comes close."
The UK is thought reflect a similar trend, with 46 per cent of the population drinking 70 million cups of coffee a day.
Coffee has been previously linked to a reduced risk of type two diabetes, liver and colon cancer and Parkinson’s disease, but Prof Vinson added that people should only drink one or two cups a day.
"Unfortunately, consumers are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are better for you from an overall nutritional point of view," he said.
A spokesman for the British Coffee Association said: "This study reconfirms the fact that moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups a day not only is perfectly safe but may confer health benefits."
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