How Much You Love Coffee Could Be Dictated By Your Genes
Coffee is a beverage that is enjoyed globally. Coffee beans originated in Ethiopia, but they are now cultivated in various regions all over the world.
For many people, a morning cup of coffee is a must. Without the caffeinated brew, they might feel like they won’t be able to function throughout the day.
Others can forgo a cup easily since, to them, the bitter, thin liquid tastes like nothing more than roasted bean juice.
Aside from offering you a boost of energy in the mornings, drinking coffee can serve as a social activity. However, not everyone loves coffee, and the reason why that is might be dictated by your DNA.
Researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in Ontario, Canada, and the University of California, San Diego, delved into large databases of genetic data from 23andMe, a U.S.-based DNA diagnostics company, and the U.K. Biobank to determine if there was a link between DNA and cravings for caffeine. They also conducted surveys to measure people’s levels of coffee consumption.
“We used this data to identify regions on the genome associated with whether somebody is more or less likely to consume coffee,” said Hayley Thorpe, the lead author of the study.
“And then identify the genes and biology that could underlie coffee intake.”
After conducting their analysis, the researchers found that certain genetic variants did have an influence on coffee consumption. They also discovered these same variants were associated with obesity and substance abuse.
“It is widely believed that use of one substance heightens risk for use of another and that there are common genetic factors for any substance use,” the researchers said. “Coffee does not appear to be exempt from this.”
Masson – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
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The data from 23andMe revealed a relationship between the genetic variants associated with higher coffee intake and various psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The opposite was true for the U.K. data.
The differences in data could be attributed to the way the surveys were conducted. The questions that were asked in the 23andMe and U.K. Biobank surveys were not the same, which might have affected the results.
In addition, the researchers did not take the type of coffee or preparation of coffee into account. According to Thorpe, instant coffee is preferred in the U.K.
In contrast, ground coffee is favored in the U.S. Other caffeinated beverages, such as tea, were not considered, which could have impacted the results, especially for the U.K. population.
Although these findings may be skewed, the research highlights a complex relationship between DNA, coffee habits, and the potential health impacts of coffee.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of considering cultural and environmental differences when it comes to studying genetics and behavior.
The study was published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
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