Chemical in coffee could reduce insulin resistance

A study from the University of Georgia suggests that coffee may help to prevent insulin resistance and fatty liver – two health markers that can greatly increase risk for type 2 diabetes.

Chlorogenic acid, or CGA, is a compound found in coffee, but also in fruits like apples, blueberries, pears and tomatoes.

Expanding on other studies that have shown coffee can reduce risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the current research looked at the specific benefits of CGA – which also seems to prevent weight gain.

"CGA is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation," said Yongjie Ma, lead author of the study. "A lot of evidence suggests that obesity-related diseases are caused by chronic inflammation, so if we can control that, we can hopefully offset some of the negative effects of excessive weight gain."

A therapeutic solution?

Drinking excessive amounts of coffee may not protect against an unhealthy lifestyle, cautioned Ma, but CGA may be the basis for future formulas that can be used on humans.

The study only included mice that received high doses of CGA while eating a high-fat diet.

"We do think that we might be able to create a useful therapeutic using CGA that will help those at risk for obesity-related disease as they make positive lifestyle changes," Ma said.

Source: Science Daily