Science already attributes several virtues to coffee, and by extension, to caffeine. Consumed reasonably, this drink reduces the risk of developing heart disease and even protects the brain from certain forms of dementia. In March 2023, researchers from the Karolinska Institute (Solna, Sweden), the British Universities of Bristol and Imperial College London looked at another aspect. Its effects on metabolism.
Their study, published in BMJ Journals revealed that caffeine would have a determining influence on the fat mass of our body while protecting it from a serious chronic condition: diabetes.
Black magic works in our cells
By analyzing the genetic variations of nearly 10,000 peoplescientists focusing on two particular genes: CYP1A2 and AHR. The first is responsible for the breakdown of drugs and caffeine in our body, while the second regulates their activity. Since we don’t all have the same genes, our ability to metabolize certain substances may vary.
Thus, these genetic variations create a rather interesting paradox: some people, due to their genetic profile, metabolize caffeine more slowly. Result ? The molecule stays longer in their blood and their body therefore metabolizes it more gradually. Nature has endowed these same people with a natural tendency to drink less coffee, itas if their body intuitively regulated their consumption. Which means that our DNA can therefore influence not only our physiology, but also our choices and our habits.
Behind the scenes of our metabolism
Once ingested, caffeine triggers a series of reactions in our body. First, it stimulates thermogenesis, a biological process by which our body produces heat. This heat is essential for maintaining our body temperature at an optimal level, generally around 37°C. At the same time, caffeine encourages the body to use stored fat as fuel, much like turning on an internal furnace that burns fat for heat and energy.
During their investigation, the researchers discovered that “ high concentrations of caffeine in blood plasma are accompanied by a significant reduction in BMI and body fat mass “. In other words, a high concentration of caffeine seems to promote a reduction in the proportion of fat in the bodywhich can help give you a slimmer figure by reducing your Body Mass Index (weight in kg divided by height in meters squared, a quick indicator of a person’s build).
Diabetes and caffeine: protective virtues?
Another surprising revelation from this study: the researchers managed to establish a link with caffeine consumption and type 2 diabetes. People who naturally have higher levels of caffeine in their blood due to their genetics have a lower risk of developing this chronic condition.
Around 50% of this protective effect is explained by the action of caffeine on body weight.. In other words, caffeine helps prevent diabetes, in part because it helps maintain a lower BMI. The other half of the protective effect could involve other mechanisms that researchers have not yet identified.
However, scientists are tempering their enthusiasm. While several short-term studies confirm the effect of caffeine on weight and fat reduction, its long-term effects remain a gray area. On the other hand, in the short term, excessive consumption can lead to various inconveniences and well-documented side effects.
The latter can disrupt our nights by delaying falling asleep, which ultimately reduces the quality of sleep. By stimulating the central nervous systemit can also speed up the heart rate, increase the heart rate and make us more nervous. Its effects on the digestive system if consumed in excess are not really pleasant either: stomach irritation, burning, nausea or indigestion.
This study is based on a robust methodology: Mendelian randomization. A scientific method that uses genetic variations to study the cause and effect links between different factors, such as between a gene and a disease. However, researchers also call for caution; additional studies are still necessary to confirm these causal relationships and unravel the complex assemblage of factors at play in this equation. Nevertheless, To keep your cup of coffee a morning pleasure, don’t overdo it !
- A new genetic study has highlighted the positive impact of caffeine on metabolism, which reduces BMI and body fat.
- It also reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, in part due to its effect on regulating body weight.
- Excessive consumption, however, can lead to short-term adverse effects, such as sleep disorders and digestive discomfort.
