Coffee is rich in phenols and catechols, molecules with a strong electron reduction potential. Metals are more easily absorbed in the cation (eg Fe+2) state. Fo

Coffee is rich in phenols and catechols, molecules with a strong electron reduction potential. Metals are more easily absorbed in the cation (eg Fe+2) state. Food and drink is a primary source of heavy metals for most humans. Reducing agents in the diet would reduce e.g. cadmium and mercury from +2 to the less available metallic state, where it would be excreted.