A recent study in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that your coffee-drinking habits and its effects on your health may be influenced by your genes. Researchers conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using data from 23andMe and the UK Biobank, analyzing genetic variants and their correlation with coffee consumption and various health conditions. The study found a clear genetic component to coffee drinking, but the effects of coffee on health varied significantly between different populations. In the U.S., genetic variants linked to higher coffee intake correlated with conditions like obesity and substance abuse, while in the UK, these same variants appeared to have opposite effects, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. The researchers suggest these differences may be influenced by cultural and environmental factors, such as the type of coffee consumed and other dietary habits. They conclude that while genetics play a role, environmental factors complicate the impact of coffee on health. The study underscores the importance of moderate coffee consumption without added sugars and fats for optimal health.
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