Coffee Genes: A New Perspective on How the Black Brew Affects Your Health

A recent Canadian study has shown that the effects of coffee on human health vary depending on how the body processes caffeine — a process determined by genetic factors.

According to the Canadian network CBC, researcher Sara Mahdavi from the University of Toronto explained that differences in how individuals respond to caffeine are due to how quickly their bodies metabolize it. She added that most studies overlook the genetic diversity of consumers, despite its significant impact.

The study led by Mahdavi found that individuals who metabolize caffeine slowly and consume more than 300 mg per day are at higher risk for health issues such as reduced kidney function and elevated blood pressure.

On the other hand, those who metabolize caffeine quickly benefit from drinking coffee. They showed a reduced risk of heart attacks without any negative effects on kidney function, regardless of how much coffee they consumed.

Mahdavi recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to around 200 mg, equivalent to one to two cups of coffee. However, guidelines from Canada’s Ministry of Health allow non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding adults to consume up to 400 mg per day.