Caffeine levels in the blood can affect the amount of body fat
A study published in the scientific journal BMJ Medicine brings good news for coffee lovers! Research shows that caffeine levels in the blood can influence the amount of body fat and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Approximately half of caffeine’s effect on type 2 diabetes risk is estimated to be mediated by lowering BMI,” the researchers said.
Genetic data was collected from 10,000 people focusing on variations in or near specific genes associated with how quickly caffeine is broken down.
“Small short-term studies have shown that caffeine ingestion results in reductions in weight and fat mass, but the long-term effects of caffeine ingestion are unknown,” the scientists explained.
Research indicates that caffeine can positively affect metabolism, increasing fat burning. However, future studies are essential to confirm this association.
Daily coffee consumption limit
Tolerance to caffeine varies from person to person, depending on age, height, weight, daily alcohol drinking habits, and medical restrictions. “It is important to count not only the caffeine contained in coffee, but also in general consumption, including sources of caffeine from other foods,” said nutritionist Durval Ribas Filho, president of the Brazilian Association of Nutrilogy, in a recent interview with Terra Degusta.
The type of coffee also makes a difference: espresso is more concentrated. According to the European Food Safety Authority, for a healthy adult, weighing approximately 70 kg, the recommended limit is between 300 and 400 milligrams as a daily dose of caffeine. For those most sensitive to caffeine, consumption should not exceed 200 mg per day.
Risks of excessive consumption
Despite the health benefits, coffee consumption should be moderate. Caffeine contributes to several functions of our body, but it is not 100% harmless.
“It is a central nervous system stimulant, which can interfere with the functioning of the brain and the rest of our body, in a positive or negative way, depending on the dose ingested,” says the doctor.
The substance is not only found in the cup of coffee, but is part of the composition of other foods, such as cola drinks; energy drinks; green, mate and black teas; chocolate; food supplements for training and also medicines, as well as caffeine itself as a powder supplement.
“Therefore, an excess of caffeine can trigger irritation, anxiety, nervousness, agitation and arrhythmias. The quality of sleep can be affected, with attacks of insomnia, which are harmful to the quality of life and the regulation of the metabolism”, he concludes.
The professional says that, in the most severe and rare cases, it can lead to a caffeine overdose with rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lack of muscle control and difficulty breathing.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
