Freeze-dried instant coffee can promote the activities of antioxidant enzymes and induce weight loss but also aggravate the plasma cholesterol profile in rats.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of instant coffee on antioxidant enzyme activity and plasma cholesterol profile during exercise in rats.

Methods: Forty eight rats were fed a control diet with water (C) or a control diet with a coffee solution (CF). At the end of week 4, animals in each dietary group were subdivided into three exercise groups: before exercise (BE), during exercise (DE), and after exercise (AE). DE groups were exercised on a treadmill for 1 h immediately before being sacrificed. Animals in the AE groups were allowed to take a rest for 1 h after exercise. Antioxidant enzyme activities of the C and CF groups were evaluated with activities of catalase in plasma and superoxide dismutase, the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, and the level of malondialdehyde in the liver. Plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also compared.

Results: Final body weights and food intakes of the CF group were significantly lower than those of the C group. Catalase activities of the CF group were higher than those of the C group BE and AE. Reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione of the CF group was significantly higher than that of the C group BE and DE. Superoxide dismutase activities of the CF group were higher than those of the C group regardless of exercise. Compared with the C group, there was an increase of total cholesterol and a decrease of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the CF group. Malondialdehyde levels in the CF group were higher than those in the C group BE and AE.

Conclusion: It is suggested that freeze-dried instant coffee can promote activities of antioxidant enzymes and induce weight loss but also aggravate the plasma cholesterol profile in rats.