It has long been known that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the reasons for this were a mystery. Now, scientists may have figured out why.
Researchers discovered that compounds in coffee inhibit hIAPP (human islet amyloid polypeptide), a substance linked to diabetes. Major active components of coffee, such as caffeic acid and caffeine, were found to inhibit hIAPP significantly.
The Los Angeles Times reports:
“Prior global epidemiological studies have shown that those who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a 50 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent type of diabetes accounting for 95 percent of all cases. Every additional cup reduces the risk by an additional 7 percent.”