Caffeic acid and its derivative, CAPE, are antioxidants found in coffee and other plants. They prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and inhibit carcinogens, reducing the risk of cancer. Low levels of antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress, contributing to diseases such as strokes and degenerative diseases. Caffeic acid is as beneficial as antioxidants found in fruits, nuts, and oils.
Even though caffeic acid is found in coffee, it is not related to caffeine. Together with its derivative caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), it is a naturally occurring organic compound that is the product of many plants, including coffee beans. This substance is an antioxidant and can also act as a carcinogen inhibitor.
Antioxidants, including caffeic acid, are essential in the prevention of diseases such as cancer or coronary heart disease. Antioxidants consist of a molecule capable of slowing down or even preventing the oxidation of other molecules. When oxidation occurs in the body, it produces free radicals that are capable of damaging cells. Antioxidants finish off this reaction by removing free radicals that can be encouraged by smoking, stress, fried food infections, excessive sun exposure, or exposure to pollution and X-rays.
When the body has low levels of antioxidants, cell damage or death can occur through a process called oxidative stress. This stress is a known contributor to the onset of many diseases, however it is not 100% clear whether it is the cause or the consequence of the disease. The most common diseases are strokes and degenerative diseases.
Caffeic acid also inhibits carcinogens. Carcinogens refer to any substance or agent involved in the promotion of cancer. There are a number of substances that can cause carcinogenic activity, but they are usually all related to the amount of radiation they emit.
Carcinogens are capable of increasing the risk of cancer by altering or damaging DNA at the cellular level. The result is that DNA damage cannot be repaired and this can lead to cell death. If this happens, the cells can become cancerous. Although carcinogens do not cause cancer by themselves, they promote the activity of carcinogens that can cause cancer.
Once a carcinogen has entered the body, the body attempts to eliminate it by making it more water soluble so it can be removed. This happens through a process called biotransformation. Yet the process itself can actually convert a less toxic carcinogen into a more toxic one without carcinogen inhibitors. The addition of carcinogen inhibitors, such as caffeic acid, helps promote and maintain health by preventing biotransformation and inhibiting the production of carcinogens.
Caffeic acid is found in coffee beans. The levels of antioxidants found in this acid are in line with those found in fruits, nuts, oils and other healthy foods.
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