Health and Fitness Corner

The hydroxycinnamic acids are a group of plant based nutrients that can be found in coffee, various fruits and various vegetables. They are not believed to be essential in humans but research has revealed that they can reduce oxygen related damage, keep your body safe from harmful diseases, protect against unnecessary inflammation and much more. In this article I will be looking at 2 key phenolic acids, discussing the richest food sources and providing an overview of their main health benefits.

1) CAFFEIC ACID:

Coffee is the richest food source of caffeic acid with a 10 millilitre (ml) serving supplying you with between 18 milligrams (mg) and 88mg of this hydroxycinnamic acid (depending on the quality of coffee beans used). Some other good food sources of this hydroxycinnamic acid include apples, basil, cauliflowers, oregano, radishes and turnips.

In terms of health benefits, caffeic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory (a substance that keeps your body's cells safe from unpleasant inflammation) and antioxidant (a substance that keeps your body's cells safe from nasty free radicals). It can also protect your body from a number of nasty health disorders including cancer (a health disorder that leads to your body's cells growing in a rapid, out of control way) and diabetes (a health disorder that causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high).

2) COUMARIN:

Coumarin can be sourced from apricots, cinnamon, strawberries and tonka beans. Currently, this hydroxycinnamic acid has no confirmed health benefits. Early evidence has shown that it may act as an analgesic (a substance that reduces pain), anticoagulant (a substance that prevents blood clotting), anti-inflammatory (a substance that reduces unnecessary inflammation in the body) and antiseptic (a substance that inhibits the growth of disease causing microorganisms). Additionally, it may fight cancer, fight osteoporosis (reduced bone mineral density), lower high blood pressure and treat asthma (a health disorder that makes it difficult to breathe). However, further research is required before these potential coumarin health benefits can be confirmed.

HYDROXYCINNAMIC ACIDS SUMMARY:

There is still a lot more to learn about caffeic acid and coumarin. However, the provisional evidence on these hydroxycinnamic acids shows that they have a lot of potential and indicates that these natural nutrients may keep the body safe from various diseases and health disorders. So when it comes to food make sure you are eating lots of natural fruits and vegetables. Also when you feel a little thirsty do not stick to just water and green tea - make sure you drink a cup of coffee or 2 as well. By taking this advice you can supply your body with a healthy dose of these hydroxycinnamic acids.

Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips - a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about the hydroxycinnamic acids and the many hydroxycinnamic acid benefits by visiting Free Fitness Tips.

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