Scientists are finding/ that coffee/ does more/ than help you/ stay awake. Researchers/ in the American state of Pennsylvania say/ coffee/ has high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants/ have been shown/ to help prevent cancer, heart disease/ and other conditions.

Joe Vinson/ is a chemistry professor/ at the University of Scranton. He says/ Americans/ get more antioxidants/ from coffee/ than any other food/ or drink. He reported the findings/ at a recent meeting/ of the American Chemical Society.

The body/ produces chemical substances/ that cause oxidation. Atoms and molecules/ called free radicals/ are involved. Oxidation/ damages cells/ and tissues. Experts say/ this damage/ causes many of the health problems/ common in older people.

Antioxidants/ reduce or prevent oxidation. In recent years, other studies/ have shown the health value/ of drinking red wine/ and tea. Both/ are known/ to be high/ in antioxidants.

Professor Vinson said/ he and his team/ compared the antioxidant levels/ of more than one hundred different foods. They examined everything/ from fruits and vegetables/ to oils and popular drinks.

Next, the team/ compared its findings/ with information/ from the United States Department of Agriculture. This information/ showed/ what Americans eat and drink/ and in what amounts. The researchers found/ that coffee/ won in both comparisons.

Americans/ drink large amounts/ of coffee. And, coffee/ is rated/ among the very best/ in antioxidants. One kind of fruit, the date, is actually higher/ in antioxidants/ in each serving. However, in the United States, drinking coffee/ is more popular/ than eating dates.

Professor Vinson warned/ that having a diet/ high in antioxidants/ is not always a good idea. This is/ because the body/ cannot always use these compounds. Scientists/ do not yet fully understand/ how the body/ takes in/ and uses the substances. Also, too much caffeine/ may cause nervousness/ and other problems.

Professor Vinson said/ that one to two servings/ of coffee/ a day/ is fine. He also suggested/ that people/ eat more fruits/ and vegetables. They contain not only antioxidants/ but also high levels of substances/ such as minerals/ and fiber.