Good news for all java junkies: According to a recent study, the morning cup of coffee you so often crave may be doing more for your body than simply giving you an energy boost.

The study, released by the University of Scranton, a Jesuit university in Pennsylvania, claims the drink is beneficial to the body because of its significant amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants soothe damaged cells and prevent further damage.

Antioxidants are found in fresh fruits, vegetables and teas, but coffee, the study says, contains more of these beneficial chemicals than any other food. Antioxidants have been linked to numerous health benefits, including prevention of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

"I think it's kind of a nice positive spin on the whole thing," said Barbara Troy, a clinical assistant professor in the College of Nursing.

The study was released Aug. 28 at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in Washington, D.C.

The good news does not mean coffee intake should be increased significantly, however.

People should consume in moderation, Troy said.

"I don't think the intent of the message is to live on coffee," Troy said. "You've got to have different food sources."

The study is simply a "reaffirmation that coffee can be a part of a healthy diet," she said.

The study is good news for Marquette, which is surrounded by coffee vendors.

The university itself owns four coffee shops in its campus-wide Brew chain, which are located in the Alumni Memorial Union, Raynor Library, Cudahy Hall, and Straz Tower. In addition, independent coffee chains such as Starbucks and Alterra also whip up lattes and mochas in the area.

Elisa VanDeraa, a junior in the College of Nursing, and Kathleen Sullivan, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, both employees at Brew Cudahy, said Marquette's faculty and students are frequent coffee drinkers and many are regular customers, visiting daily.

Erin Graff, an instructor in the College of Engineering and self-described regular coffee drinker, said she was pleased with the report.

"Sometimes I drink it because I need it in the morning and sometimes I just like it," Graff said.

Graff said the study will probably not affect her coffee-drinking habits but is reassurred by the outcome.

This article was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 6, 2005.