Research discovers new use for coffee grounds

The grounds resulting from the preparation of coffee may have a final destination quite different from the usual. If, as a rule, almost always end up in the trash, they are, according to what suggests a survey released in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a rich source of antioxidants. This research points out, moreover, that the waste itself contain "more antioxidants than their own coffee beans."
For the experts involved in the investigation, conducted by Maria Paz de la Peña, a member of the University of Navarra (Spain), these residues could, in addition to serving as food for plants, insect repellent and other household applications, be a precious resource for production of dietary supplements.
Every year are produced "20 million tons of used coffee in the world" due to the consumption of this drink, says that responsible, quoted by Europapress portal. Another field of application of the waste indicated by the executive is its "commercial use as agricultural fertilizer."
A research team assigned to the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro had already analysed the possible effects and therapeutic properties of coffee grounds. Among the substances beneficial to the organism, which have been identified, include: various kinds of antioxidants, polysaccharides, various antimicrobial agents and immunostimulants. However, other beneficial properties may also be added to this list.
It is thus a cost effective solution to something that was previously only seen as superfluous.
Source: HostelVending Portugal