This Easy-To-Make Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative Has Antioxidant Benefits

If you’re fond of extolling the polyphenol benefits of your morning joe (like how it’s a good source of antioxidant polyphenols, caffeine, and trigonelline—all of which support cognitive functioning), maybe you’re thinking you’d rather just stick to decaf coffee beans. But in truth, date seeds have some similar benefits to coffee beans.

While we’re plenty familiar with the health benefits of the fruit itself, studies have found that the seeds have their own hit list of health benefits. According to a 2016 study published in Functional Properties of Traditional Foods, date seeds have antioxidant properties: research indicates that they offer “significant” amounts of oleic acid, dietary fiber, and polyphenols. While the brewed drink might not maintain that dietary fiber (since you’re brewing through a fine filter), the antioxidants will probably make it into the final cup, just like they do in true coffee.