Chandigarh 23: March. New study has found that high levels of caffeine consumption could reduce body fat and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as major cardiovascular diseases.
According to a study published in leading magazine, this finding could link calorie-free caffeinated drinks being used to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, further research is required.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disorder when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone) or resists its production.
“It does not study or recommend drinking more coffee, which was not the purpose of this research,” said Dr Katarina Kos, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter and co-author of the study.
The researchers used a technique called Mendelian randomisation, which establishes cause and effect through genetic evidence. Two common gene variants were found to be associated with the speed of caffeine metabolism, which was ultimately associated with lower BMI and body fat.
With a daily intake of 100mg is estimated to increase energy expenditure by about 100 calories a day.
However, Dr Stephen Lawrence, associate clinical professor at the University of Warwick’s medical school noted that the Mendelian assessment had its limitations as it was “vulnerable to bias”. Future studies could develop promising treatments, he said.
