Coffee

Coffee and DNA

Transcript

Are you one of those people who can’t jumpstart the day without a cup of coffee? Someone who downs 2, 3, 4 cups a day? Well, a new study concludes your Java drinking behavior may be tied to your DNA!

Researchers conducted a genome-wide analysis of regular coffee consumption among more than 120,000 people. They found 6 new regions of DNA that were significantly associated with coffee drinking behavior. Two of the new genes were linked to caffeine metabolism. Other regions were located near genes that potentially influence the effects of caffeine on the brain, others, near genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, which may influence responses to the stimulant.

The researchers say these findings may help determine why you can drink numerous cups of coffee without feeling any effects while your friend gets jumpy after just one.

More importantly, they say, knowledge of genetic factors contributing to coffee’s physiological effects may help design future studies on the health benefits and risks of one of the most popular beverages in the world.

I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that can help you stay healthy, happy, and fit./.../