Coffee May Protect Against Colon Cancer
 (HealthDayNews, 10/21/03)

Professor Thomas Hofman of the University of Munster, Germany and colleagues, have identified a component of coffee that may prevent colon cancer. The researchers found that, in animal studies, the antioxidant compound called methylpyridinium, increased the activity of phase II enzymes, which protect against colon cancer. The scientists say that methylpyridinium is not present in raw coffee beans because it is formed from the chemical, trigonellin, during the roasting process. Strong coffee, like espresso, tends to contain more of this substance, but it is found in both regular and decaffeinated blends, as well as instant coffee.