Two substances in coffee could protect against type 2 diabetes, research reports

[DCUK NewsBot]

Danish scientists have identified two components in coffee that could reportedly protect against type 2 diabetes. Several studies have long linked coffee to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and researchers at Aarhus University Hospital believe these new findings could one day lead to new medications to better prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. In their study, the researchers tested several components of coffee in rat cells. This was to assess if they increased insulin secretion from beta cells and improved insulin sensitivity. Two components: cafestol and caffeic acid - which are found in both caffeinated and decaf coffee - increased insulin secretion when glucose was added. The researchers also found that cafestol increased blood sugar intake in the cells. The Aarhus team believe cafestol's dual benefits make it worthy of therapeutic interest for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the researchers also noted that coffee filters eliminate much of the cafestol in drip coffee. It is therefore likely that the hundreds of different compounds found in coffee contribute towards the health benefits observed. Moreover, as the study involved testing in rat cells, further research is required to assess if the two components noted are indeed responsible for the findings. The study was published in the Journal of Natural Products.

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