Caffeine’s Benefits Go BEYOND the Buzz
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 23, 2024
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
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
Men, If You’re Feeling Tired—Don’t Ignore THIS Warning
You know that feeling when you wake up tired… and stay tired all day? You chalk it up to age—but lately, it’s worse. You’re dragging… You need more coffee… Your energy just isn’t what it used to be! But what if it’s not just age? A new study shows that fatigue in older men could...
Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat
“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...
Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain
For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...