High amounts of caffeine could potentially reduce obesity, type 2 diabetes and major cardiovascular diseases, as per a study.
According to a study published in the journal BMJ Medicine, this finding could link calorie-free caffeinated drinks being used to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, further research is required.
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.
It was found that nearly half of the reduction in type 2 diabetes risk was driven by weight loss, and caffeine, which is known to boost metabolism, increase fat burning and reduce appetite could reverse the disease, India Today reported.
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.
However, the authors called the study a "big leap of faith" as weight loss brought by high consumption of caffeine could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and be an effective measure of reducing calorie intake.
