Friday, August 26, 2016

Scientists Link Coffee Drinking to Our Genetic Makeup

A gene was recently identified by scientists that is believed to change the way the human body digests caffeine. In Italy, villagers who possessed the PDSS2 gene drank roughly one cup less of coffee a day when compared to villagers who lacked the PDSS2 gene. Scientists believe that the gene variant PDSS2 reduces the time is takes to metabolize coffee within the body. This means that the stimulant effect on the body is longer lasting, as it is broken down at a slower rate than one observed in a person who does not carry the PDSS2 gene. This new discovery bolsters the belief that coffee drinkers drink the beverage for the caffeine, and the stimulant effect it produces. Although more studies need to be done to confirm the link between the PDSS2 gene and its effect on consuming caffeine from coffee, this is a major breakthrough.

Previous research on this topic has shown that there are a lot of variables that have prevented scientists from establishing a legitimate link between the human metabolism and the effect that caffeine may have on it. It is already known that coffee has a number of medical benefits for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease, some cancers and cardiovascular diseases.There could also be a potential link between what prompts people with these types of diseases to consume coffee.

I found this association between coffee and genetics particularly interesting because coffee is a widely consumed beverage across the globe. Throughout the course of my life I have observed that many people I speak to have a strong love or distaste for coffee. After delving into this topic, it’s interesting to find out that some people process it differently. This leads me to wonder if people who enjoy coffee experience its effects differently as a result of their genetic makeup. Eventually, there may be an assessment used to determine whether or not you have the PDSS2 gene. It would be fascinating if scientists could accurately pinpoint the amount of coffee each person needed to drink to stay alert throughout the day.


The gene variant appears slowing the breakdown of caffeine in the body, meaning that it lingers in the blood for longer and gives people a more enduring “hit” for every cup.

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