Researchers have been studying the natural compound cafestol, found in unfiltered coffee, for its potential benefits on metabolic health, specifically focusing on its influence on insulin sensitivity and other markers of metabolic health. Initial findings suggested that cafestol might help prevent type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and enhancing glucose uptake. In a recent randomized controlled trial, participants were given 6 mg of cafestol twice daily for 12 weeks, which resulted in slight weight and body fat loss, but did not significantly improve insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance. The study’s limitations prevent definitive conclusions, but it provides valuable insights for future research on the role of cafestol in diabetes prevention.
Participants in the study were individuals with high waist circumference, a risk factor for diabetes, who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They were randomly assigned to receive either cafestol supplements or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks, along with monitoring and various tests to assess the impact of cafestol on their metabolic health. Results showed that while cafestol did reduce body weight, visceral fat, and liver enzyme levels, it did not improve glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity significantly. Some participants experienced side effects like gas, nausea, and mild headaches, but no harmful liver or kidney changes were observed.
Experts not involved in the study provided insights on the findings, suggesting that cafestol may work by enhancing fat metabolism, leading to weight loss and visceral fat reduction, while potentially improving liver health, a crucial aspect of metabolic function. However, the study’s lower doses or shorter intervention period may not have significantly impacted insulin sensitivity, explaining the lack of more profound effects on glucose metabolism. Experts highlighted the mixed results of the study and emphasized the need for further research to clarify cafestol’s role in diabetes prevention.
While cafestol may aid in weight loss and reduce visceral fat, concerns were raised regarding its potential to increase insulin resistance, raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Experts recommended organic and unfiltered coffee consumption, avoiding high-fat creamers and sugars, and moderating coffee intake to two to three cups per day for potential health benefits. For individuals interested in cafestol benefits, decaffeinated coffee may not contain significant amounts of the compound, and caution is advised for those with certain health conditions, such as heart issues or autoimmune diseases, due to caffeine sensitivity.
The researchers disclosed a conflict of interest due to being inventors on a patent for using cafestol to treat diabetes, filed by Aarhus University. The patent, based on the research findings, could potentially lead to investors receiving a share of future earnings. However, this does not discredit the study’s findings, as they provide valuable insights for future research on the potential role of cafestol in metabolic health. Further studies are needed to better understand cafestol’s effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and overall metabolic health to determine its potential as a preventive measure against type 2 diabetes.
