- Cafestol is a natural compound found in unfiltered coffee that may benefit certain aspects of metabolic health.
- New research suggests that 6 milligrams of cafestol twice daily for 12 weeks might slightly reduce weight and body fat but not improve insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance.
- Experts say more research is needed, but in moderation, consuming unfiltered coffee may offer health benefits.
Cafestol is a natural
It adds to coffee’s flavor and aroma and may possess certain health benefits.
In recent years, a team of Danish researchers has studied cafestol’s influence on insulin sensitivity and other metabolic health markers. Their initial findings suggested that cafestol might help prevent type 2 diabetes.
In cell studies, they observed that cafestol increases insulin secretion and enhances glucose uptake, while in mouse models of diabetes, it improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose (sugar) levels.
They also explored the effects of cafestol — and kahweol — in participants with
They found that these compounds appeared to briefly lower glucose, particularly in those with impaired glucose tolerance or fasting glucose or with type 2 diabetes.
In their latest randomized controlled trial — published in the journal Nutrients — the researchers aimed to assess whether pure cafestol affects insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy individuals with high waist circumference, which is a diabetes risk factor.
Their novel findings suggest that 6 milligrams (mg) of cafestol twice daily for 12 weeks may lead to slight weight and body fat loss, but not significantly improve insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance.
The study’s limitations prevent conclusive results, but it offers valuable insights for future research on cafestol’s potential role in…
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