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Addiction to coffee is determined at the genetic level
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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As it turned out, a strong hobby for some people of coffee is inherent in them genetically. Such conclusions were made by specialists from Harvard. The group of scientists managed to find the so-called "coffee gene", which controls the reaction of the body to this drink, and scientists noted that this gene can affect human health, despite the small differences among different people.
The research project was led by Marilyn Cornelis. In the course of the work, a group of scientists analyzed the results of previous works, in which more than 120,000 volunteers participated (participants noted the number of cups of coffee drunk a day and did not mind their DNA being examined by specialists).
In the new project, specialists paid special attention to the differences in the DNA of the participants in the research project who drank a different amount of coffee a day. As a result, experts identified eight gene variations, two of which showed a connection with coffee.
In four of the remaining six variations, genes associated with the effects of caffeine on the human body (assimilation or invigorating action) were found. The last two variations of the genes were a complete surprise to the specialists, since they did not trace the biological relation to caffeine or coffee, but there was a correlation with the level of sugar or cholesterol in the blood.
The co-author of the research project, Marian Neuhauser, noted that the recognition of genes related to the use of certain foods or beverages can be useful for medical professionals who can identify patients in need of additional care and, if necessary, recommend that they exclude part of the food or drinks from their diet . For example, today pregnant women are recommended to drink coffee in moderate amounts, and it is better to completely abandon caffeine, since it contains a substance that increases the likelihood of miscarriage or premature birth.
Disputes about the benefits of coffee continue today, experts continue to identify both beneficial and harmful properties of this drink. For example, Japanese scientists discovered that a fragrant drink in the morning has a beneficial effect on the human vascular system. One cup of natural coffee in the morning normalizes the work of the vessels.
According to the results of the study, improvement in well-being was observed in elderly people (all participants in the experiment were divided into groups and did not voice the research goal).
In a group in which volunteers drank coffee with caffeine, experts recorded an improvement in well-being and mood. In a group where participants did not drink coffee at all, no changes, both spiritual and physical, occurred.
Today, doctors can not say exactly what causes such a healing effect for small vessels of coffee, but the fact that coffee has anti-inflammatory properties can be said with certainty.
Experts at the end of their work agreed that the experiment demonstrated another reason to drink a cup of natural coffee in the morning. However, doctors warn that drinking coffee is better without sugar, otherwise the entire positive effect almost disappears.
Also, scientists noted that coffee lovers are optimistic, and recommended to drink coffee, but only in moderation.
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