Cafestol is a natural compound found in unfiltered coffee that may offer certain metabolic health benefits, according to recent research. It is particularly prevalent in coffee brewed through unfiltered methods such as Turkish, French press, and espresso coffee. Previous studies have suggested that cafestol might help prevent type 2 diabetes, as it increases insulin secretion, enhances glucose uptake, and improves insulin sensitivity in mouse models. The latest randomized controlled trial aimed to assess whether pure cafestol could improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy individuals with a high waist circumference, a risk factor for diabetes. However, the findings showed that taking 6 milligrams of cafestol twice daily for 12 weeks only resulted in slight weight and body fat loss, without significantly improving insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance.
During the 12-week intervention, participants were randomly assigned to receive 6 mg capsules of cafestol or a placebo twice daily. They were allowed to drink unlimited paper-filtered drip coffee and instant coffee but were limited to one unfiltered coffee beverage per day. Participants underwent various tests and measurements throughout the study to monitor changes in metabolic markers. While the study did not achieve the expected improvement in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity from cafestol intake, it did lead to a reduction in body weight, visceral fat, and a liver enzyme called gamma-glutamyl transferase. However, some participants experienced side effects like gas, nausea, loose stools, and mild headaches.
Experts suggested that cafestol might work by enhancing fat metabolism and leading to weight loss and visceral fat reduction. Although the study results were mixed, cafestol showed promising effects on liver enzymes, potentially indicating improvements in liver health essential for overall metabolic function. Registered dietitian Alyssa Simpson noted that while cafestol may aid in weight loss, it raised concerns about increasing insulin resistance, which could raise type 2 diabetes risk. Further research is necessary to investigate the optimal dosage and duration of cafestol intake to clarify its role in diabetes prevention. Consuming organic and unfiltered coffee in moderation, appropriately brewed and paired with healthier additives, could potentially maximize the health benefits of cafestol.
Experts suggested consuming coffee in the morning or early afternoon to avoid sleep disturbances, grinding coffee beans at home for freshness, and using brewing methods that retain more beneficial compounds. Simpson also recommended sticking with black coffee or adding small amounts of plant-based or low-fat cow’s milk to coffee, avoiding high-fat creamers and sugary syrups. For individuals interested in potential cafestol benefits, decaffeinated coffee may not contain significant amounts of cafestol, as it is primarily found in the oils that remain in unfiltered coffee. However, caution is advised for individuals with certain health conditions, such as heart issues or autoimmune diseases, as caffeine sensitivity could exacerbate symptoms.
The study authors reported a conflict of interest due to their involvement in a patent application for using cafestol to treat diabetes. Aarhus University, where the research was conducted, holds the patent rights, and if successful, investors could benefit from future earnings. While the potential patent outcome may raise questions about the study’s credibility, the findings were based on legitimate research methods and included valuable insights for future investigations on cafestol’s metabolic health effects. Further studies are needed to explore the full potential of cafestol in preventing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health outcomes.
