Coffee as well as green and black tea contain abundant antioxidants, which are natural substances associated with various health advantages.
A recent genetic study proposes that the caffeine found in these drinks may also provide potential advantages, such as diminishing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. This could be attributed to caffeine’s impact on body weight and adipose tissue.
According to the researchers, our discovery implies that caffeine could be one of the reasons behind the connection between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This latest research aligns with previous studies indicating that there is a correlation between caffeine consumption and a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes.
Previous investigations have demonstrated that moderate intake of coffee (around three to five cups per day) is linked to a decreased probability of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as indicated by reliable sources.
To address this issue, the researchers of the recent study employed a genetic approach known as Mendelian randomization, as a means of investigating the influence of caffeine levels in the blood on body fat, as well as the probability of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study focused on cardiovascular consequences such as heart failure, stroke, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm). The findings of this research were released on March 14 in BMJ Medicine.
To perform Mendelian randomization, scientists concentrated on two prevalent genetic variations related to the rate at which the body breaks down consumed caffeine, which are present in two specific genes.
Individuals who possess the genetic variations linked to a slower caffeine metabolism, typically consume less coffee on average. Nonetheless, these individuals have elevated caffeine concentrations in their bloodstream when compared to those who metabolize caffeine more rapidly.
In this research, the scientists evaluated genetic and additional information from roughly 10,000 participants, primarily of European descent, who were involved in six extensive studies.
The study revealed that individuals with a genetic predisposition to increased levels of caffeine in their bloodstream were more prone to have a decreased body mass index (BMI) and reduced body fat. Moreover, they were less susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers approximated that around fifty percent of the decline in diabetes risk could be attributed to the lower BMI.
Conversely, there was no association discovered between genetically anticipated caffeine levels in the bloodstream and the likelihood of cardiovascular disease outcomes.
One drawback of the study is that it primarily encompassed information from individuals of European descent; therefore, the conclusions may not be applicable to other populations.
Furthermore, the researchers only examined two genetic variations connected to caffeine metabolism, while other genetic variations may also influence an individual’s susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, depending on their caffeine consumption.
It is still premature to ‘recommend’ caffeine. Nevertheless, the outcomes of the latest research reinforce the connection between consuming caffeine and a decreased possibility of developing type 2 diabetes.
Despite this, some studies propose potential mechanisms by which caffeine may diminish the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
As Pate stated, “Caffeine acts as a thermogenic, which implies that it heightens energy usage – you can envision it as micro-exercise.”
Additionally, she mentioned that “Caffeine also has satiating properties, which means it suppresses appetite, resulting in a decreased BMI.”
However, it is still uncertain whether prescribing caffeine would aid in preventing the onset of diabetes in individuals. The authors of the recent study urged for “randomized controlled trials … to determine whether non-caloric beverages containing caffeine could potentially play a part in diminishing the likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes.”
According to Pate, “At present, I would not advise individuals to start consuming caffeine as a strategy to decrease their risk of diabetes.”
Rather, she proposes that individuals concentrate on engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a healthy diet, both of which are recognized to lessen the probability of developing type 2 diabetes.
