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Scientists
at Denver's AMC Cancer Research Center report developing a
new process for roasting green java coffee beans designed
to preserve the disease-fighting antioxidants which may provide
some protection against prostate cancer.
Conventional
roasting methods destroy the antioxidant compounds called
polyphenols, which are also abundant in green tea.
"The
average American drinks three cups of coffee a day,"
said Loretta Zapp, president of Oncology Sciences Corp. which
is partnering with AMC Cancer Research Center on the project.
"If you're going to be drinking coffee anyway, why not
drink coffee that's got antioxidants?"
Laboratory
studies show that polyphenols can inhibit tumor growth and
protect against cardiovascular disease, according to AMC.
Researchers in the past year have reported that antioxidants
in tomato sauce (see Prostate Cancer Week story) and green
tea (see Prostate Cancer Week story) seem to protect men against
prostate cancer.
The Denver
scientists installed a pilot coffee-roasting facility 18 months
ago and began making 5-pound batches of antioxidant-rich coffee.
The new roasting technique preserves the coffee's flavor and
aroma -- as well as its caffeine jolt, according to the researchers.
Source:
Prostate Cancer
Week of April 7, 2002
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