Coffee consumption associated with lower body fat, higher testosterone levels, and reduced liver disease!

An article recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition analyzed the association between coffee consumption and various health metrics. They were exploring the impact of coffee consumption on hormones, specifically testosterone, as this had not been widely studied in the past.

The researchers compared non-consumers to those who consumed low (1-2 cups), moderate (3-4 cups), and high (5 or more cups) coffee amounts. Here are the highlights of what they found:

• Higher coffee intake groups had lower body fat percentages, lower visceral fat, and higher skeletal muscle mass. The authors attributed this effect to coffee stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which then impacts resting metabolic rate and thermogenic lipolysis (the breakdown of fat).

• Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower fasting insulin levels in both men and women (higher fasting insulin levels are a major warning sign for the eventual development of type 2 diabetes! So lower levels are better).

• In men, testosterone levels were significantly higher in moderate and high coffee consumers than in non-consumers. This effect was not found in women.

• There was an inverse correlation between coffee consumption and circulating levels of branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs), meaning higher coffee consumption was associated with lower levels of BCAAs. The branch-chained acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

The authors state, “Although BCAAs are essential amino acids involved in key metabolic signalling pathways, chronically elevated levels are strongly associated with insulin resistance, T2D [Type 2 Diabetes], cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and increased hypertension risk,” and provide six separate literature references to back up their claims. Therefore, the authors are implying that increased coffee consumption, resulting in lower BCAAs, would likely reduce the development of these worrisome health conditions.

What is particularly interesting (and perhaps concerning!) is the fact that you can buy BCAA supplements online! (examples here) Reading this paper and then exploring supplement options on the web highlighted how essential it is to research all supplements that we are putting in our bodies!

Relating to coffee’s effect on the liver, another study, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, found that consuming greater than 5 cups of coffee per day had a reduced risk of cirrhosis (severe liver disease), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and liver related mortality! The study analyzed over 350,000 participants.

Now you can feel better when you enjoy that extra cup of joe!! (or 3, or 5!)