In a new study, researchers examined the effect of a genetic predisposition to higher caffeine levels in the blood. They found that a higher genetic predisposition to higher caffeine levels is associated with reduced body fat and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
For their study, the research team used data received from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 9,876 individuals of primarily European ancestry. The scientists also collected data on body fat, type 2 diabetes risk, and risk for cardiovascular conditions.
The analysis of the received data showed that 43 percent of the protective effect of blood levels of caffeine on type 2 diabetes came from weight loss.
Dr. Rohini Manaktala, a cardiologist at Memorial Hermann in Houston, TX, who was not involved in the study, comments on the study results: “[W]e need to exercise caution before completely accepting the study’s findings and adopting new dietary habits. Most importantly, what we need to remember is that caffeine cannot be a substitute for leading a healthy lifestyle which includes, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and a moderate intake of carbohydrates/ fats along with daily moderate-intensity physical exercise and careful management of chronic conditions that are risk factors for heart disease.”
