The “Bad Habit” that’s GOOD for Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 30, 2023
Have you ever noticed how many mainstream nutritionists demonize EVERYTHING you like?
Butter, salt, and caffeine all come to mind.
If you enjoy it, then it MUST be bad for you.
Butter and salt are topics for another day. But today, I want to talk to you about caffeine.
You ALREADY know it can help you feel more alert and improve your ability to concentrate on tasks.
But there are other benefits your morning cup of Joe can bring to the table. And with summer right around the corner, you’ll love THIS one.
When researchers took a closer look, they found caffeine is linked to other terrific benefits.
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Medicine, the more caffeine you have in your bloodstream…
- the LESS body fat you have, and the
- BETTER blood sugar control you have.
To figure these links out, the researchers did something fascinating.
They poured through a massive amount of data gathered on 10,000 volunteers participating in six long-term studies.
They then divided those folks into those with genes that cause them to metabolize caffeine quickly or slowly.
“Slow” metabolizers were people who would have caffeine coursing through their blood LONGER than folks who were “fast” metabolizers. Those slow metabolizers had a lower body mass index, a lower fat mass, and a lower risk for type 2 diabetes.
And this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a link between caffeine, health benefits, and burning off more fat.
Another study found that a daily dose of 100 milligrams of caffeine can increase energy expenditure by roughly 100 calories per day. Other studies have linked drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The amount of caffeine in a typical cup of coffee ranges from 70 milligrams to 150 milligrams.
The researchers cautioned not to change daily coffee habits based on their study alone, and they’re probably right. There’s no easy way to know if you’re a fast or slow metabolizer.
Besides, suddenly gulping down pots of coffee to bump up your caffeine levels can cause problems with sleep and anxiety. (And keep in mind coffee alone is a “cure” for anything.)
But this study DOES mean if you’re a coffee lover, you can raise your mug high in the morning knowing it is a HEALTHY habit. DESPITE enjoying it.
Source:
“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: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.
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