On top of providing the energy boost needed to start the day, coffee is also the leading source of cancer-fighting antioxidants in the American diet, according to a new study.

Coffee dominated over other sources of antioxidants in the American diet, including bananas, cranberries and green tea, according to the study, done by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Scranton.

Coffee is not richer in antioxidants than these other foods; Americans are simply not eating enough fruits and vegetables, which contain much higher overall nutritional value.

“Drinking excessive amounts of coffee will not make up for the vitamins and minerals that other foods can provide on top of antioxidants,” said Teresa Leu, a registered dietician and nutritionist at the SF State Student Health Center.

Antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vitamins and beverages like coffee help stabilize cells in the body. They also protect and keep cells healthy from damage and disease, especially cancers.

“When we breathe and eat food, we expose ourselves to toxins,” said Marc Anderson, a postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Chemistry at SF State. “Antioxidants are like scavengers for oxidative toxins and they disable bad molecules.”

These harmful toxins can come from variety of sources, including overexposure to the sun and the fumes released while pumping gas.

The need to repair damaged cells is important. Otherwise, we slowly ruin our DNA, which can lead to cancers and aging, said Anderson.

Even though coffee provides more of these healthy antioxidants than any other food or beverage, it does not necessarily make it the best nutritional choice, according to the study.

Researchers said moderation is key when it comes to consuming coffee.

“One or two cups a day is reasonable,” said Leu. “Really the best ways to get antioxidants are by eating fruits and vegetables rich in color.”

Some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants are found in broccoli, red peppers, nectarines, cantaloupes, blueberries, blackberries and teas, especially green tea. But for optimal disease protection, a wide variety of antioxidants is needed.

“Our bodies need a lot more (than just coffee) for nutrition,” said Leu.

Some students said they forgo the addictive caffeine boost of coffee for healthier alternatives.

“I eat a banana and take a Centrum vitamin everyday,” said Jonathan de Vera, a communicative disorders major. “I don’t drink coffee because it’s hard to sleep at night and it makes me feel anxious.”

Signs of addiction include headaches, a short- temperament and fatigue when your body does not get what it expects to get otherwise from coffee.

“I need my cup of coffee to get through my day,” said Christine Havandjian, a broadcasting and electronic communications arts major. “It’s like my painkiller.”

In fact, drinking more than two cups of coffee a day has its drawbacks.

“Too much coffee will increase blood pressure and heart rate,” said Leu. “It also increases irritability, jitteriness and (can cause) an upset stomach.”

Too much coffee can also suppress the appetite, leading drinkers to skip meals and lose the energy and nutrients obtained in healthier foods.

So even if the best part of waking up is having antioxidants in your cup, the experts say don't overdo it.

“It doesn’t give you permission to have a pot of coffee a day,” Leu said.