Study Finds Coffee Contains Compounds That May Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Beijing: A recent study has identified three previously unknown natural compounds in roasted coffee that may help control blood sugar levels, potentially outperforming one of the common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Published in Beverage Plant Research and conducted by researchers at the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study found that the compounds—named Cavaldehydes A, B, and C—strongly inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into sugars absorbed by the bloodstream. Inhibiting this enzyme slows glucose absorption after meals, helping to prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar.

Laboratory tests showed that the three compounds had higher inhibitory activity than acarbose, a widely used anti-diabetic drug, with values of 45, 24, and 17 micromoles respectively. Despite differences in their fatty acid attachments, all three demonstrated similar enzyme-inhibiting properties.

The research team employed advanced analytical techniques to detect these rare compounds, developing a faster and environmentally friendly testing method that reduces chemical solvent use while analyzing complex foods like coffee.

Researchers highlighted the potential for developing functional foods or coffee-based nutritional supplements aimed at supporting blood sugar control. However, they cautioned that the findings are limited to laboratory tests and require further studies on living organisms and humans to confirm safety and clinical effectiveness.

The study also noted that the methodology could be applied to other complex foods, opening opportunities for discovering new natural compounds with potential health benefits in areas such as diabetes, neurological conditions, and inflammation.