Caffeine’s Benefits Go BEYOND the Buzz

Over 60 percent of American adults drink coffee daily—enjoying the caffeine-induced energy boost to jumpstart their day.

However, caffeine’s benefits don’t end with that temporary jolt of alertness.

It has other potential payoffs, including reducing diabetes risk and body fat.

Now, new research reveals those benefits can vary from person to person… and the surprising reason WHY.

In an exciting new study, researchers used genetics to determine how different rates of caffeine metabolism can influence factors like our body fat percentage and type 2 diabetes risk.

The study focused on gene variations that affect how quickly the body can break down and remove caffeine.

It turns out that folks with differences in their CYP1A2 and AHR genes process caffeine more slowly. This means caffeine stays active in their bloodstream for LONGER.

Those who are slow caffeine metabolizers tend to naturally drink fewer caffeinated drinks. If they overindulge, they typically get caffeine-induced jitters.

But here’s where the study gets REALLY interesting.

Slow caffeine metabolizers who drank caffeinated drinks had an almost 30 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, this group had lower body mass index (BMI) measurements and a lower overall body fat percentage.

When caffeine lingers in the bloodstream longer, it enhances fat-burning and glucose metabolism over time.

Does that mean you should supercharge your coffee routine if you’re a fast metabolizer to get the same benefits? Probably not.

The side effects of drinking too much coffee—including insomnia, headaches, and jitteriness—make overindulging a bad idea.

Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily or about four cups of home-brewed coffee.

Remember, if you’re a fast metabolizer, you can STILL reap plenty of rewards from your reasonable coffee consumption. In fact, this new study confirms previous research that found coffee and caffeine have health benefits for many folks.

When consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle your beloved cup of Joe is a healthy habit, regardless if you metabolize the caffeine in it fast or slow.

P.S. Don’t make THIS coffee mistake. (It packs ON pounds!)

Source:

Larsson SC, Woolf B, Gill D, “Appraisal of the causal effect of plasma caffeine on adiposity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease: two sample mendelian randomisation study,” BMJ Medicine 2023;2:e000335. doi: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000335

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

The Deadly Danger Lurking in Your Favorite Foods

I’m sure it comes as no surprise that the so-called Western diet isn’t doing you any favors. You know the one I’m talking about—burgers, fries, sugary sodas, and processed snacks galore. It’s the diet that’s as American as apple pie (which, ironically, isn’t great for us either). But let’s face it, despite knowing it isn’t...

Read This

The Nightly Brain Reset You Can't Afford to Miss

We know sleep is vital. It’s right up there with eating your vegetables and regular exercise. But let’s be honest—many of us don’t prioritize it as we should. We’re up in the middle of the night binge-watching our favorite shows or tossing and turning, struggling to sleep. Then, when we wake up feeling irritable and...

Read This

Olive Oil “Trash” Is a “Treasure” For Your Health

You probably know that olive oil is a superstar ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. Its health benefits range from supporting heart health to reducing inflammation and protecting against certain cancers. But you know how they say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? Well, in the case of a waste product from olive oil production,...

Read This

Low Carb Delivers HIGH Nutritional Rewards

If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a big fan of low-carb eating. But I’m NOT talking about those extreme “meat-only” diets you might have heard about Instead, I encourage focusing on quality proteins and non-starchy veggies to keep your blood sugar in check and promote longevity. But I’m met with...

Read This

Are Electrolyte Sports Drinks REALLY Healthy?

You’ve undoubtedly seen the colorful sports drinks lining grocery store shelves. They promise to replenish our electrolytes and boost our performance. But are these trendy beverages really the health elixirs they claim to be? Keep reading to uncover the surprising truth about electrolytes and their impact on your health… Electrolytes are minerals in your blood...

Read This

The TRUTH About Winter Weight Gain

Happy New Year! If you’re like many folks, you woke up today thinking about the year ahead, determined to turn over a new leaf. In fact, the number one New Year’s resolution year after year is to lose some weight. Common wisdom claims that putting on five pounds over the winter is inevitable. But is...

Read This

Mailbag: 3 “Cocktail Companions” to Safely Ring in the New Year

“I don’t usually drink alcohol. But I’m going to a New Year’s party and might have a few drinks. Can I do anything to make them less harmful to my health?” -Cheering In the New Year Hi Cheering, As you prepare for your New Year’s celebration tonight, you may be looking forward to raising a...

Read This

Could a Fall Be a Warning Sign for Something WORSE?

Falls are an unfortunate reality for many older adults. They’re among the most common causes of injuries and hospital visits for seniors. But what if a fall could mean something more? New research raises concerns that falls might be more than just a physical issue—they could be an early warning sign of a devastating condition…...

Read This

Want to Live Longer? Reach for Your Toes

We know that staying active is crucial for healthy aging. But what if touching your toes might be just as critical as taking your daily walk? Surprised? Well, new research suggests that flexibility could be the secret ingredient to a longer, healthier life. A groundbreaking study from Brazil uncovered a fascinating link between flexibility and...

Read This

Tiny Toxic Threat Lurking in the Air You Breathe

Imagine taking a deep breath of fresh air, only to realize that—along with oxygen—you’re also inhaling tiny plastic particles. It may sound like a scene from a science-fiction film, but new research reveals microplastics have found their way into the very air we breathe—and they may pose serious risks to your health. Recently, scientists discovered...

Read This