Is coffee really in the genes?
As reported in the Times of India recently, it seems that our genetic makeup has something to do with our love of coffee. Why would they make this claim? A team of researchers have been looking into the coffee culture phenomenon. They have been doing some research into why some of us drink more of the caffeine elixir than others.
The research team is based in the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Their leader, Dr Edna Byrne, has been quoted as explaining their findings. The project considered more than 18,000 subjects who participated. It appeared to the team that the relationship between genes and coffee is not just a one way street – although some people have more of a propensity for drinking coffee, it also seems to be the case that caffeine can affect our genes in return. In such a way, caffeine can influence the ‘chemical pathways in the body.’
The team also found apparent connections between caffeine, genes and other medical conditions. For example, it was discovered that once genes linked to Parkinson’s disease were exposed to caffeine, there was a difference in the expression of those genes. What does this mean? Some studies have suggested that coffee may protect against Parkinson’s disease. It seems that caffeine has some sort of dialogue with genetic markers.
As well as the potential importance of coffee beans with regards to Parkinson’s disease, it also begs the question whether caffeine will also have an effect on other medical conditions or disorders. The research will need to continue to address these queries and concerns.