Study Finds Link Between Coffee Consumption, Genetics

The list of things it's acceptable to blame our parents for seems to be growing longer every day, and some of these things are legit, while others seem like cop-outs. But it turns out our coffee consumption habits just may be one of those things that truly is "mom's fault." 

Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health have recently concluded a study that points to a possible strong link between our genetic makeup and our consumption of coffee, or any other caffeinated food or beverage.

The study mainly consisted of analyzing data from 28 previous studies which included more than 120,000 coffee drinkers.

What they found were six genes that seemed to be linked to their carrier's daily intake of coffee: that is, how much of it they drink per day, how much they enjoy it when they do and how their body responds to caffeine physiologically.

Research has uncovered lots of things about coffee over the years, not the least of which is the endless debate over whether or not the beverage is generally good for us. While it is implicated as being a possible deterrent of type 2 diabetes, liver disease and Parkinson's, it is also suspected of raising the likelihood of cardiovascular problems.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that many variables come in to play, such as what you take in your coffee (milk, sugar, etc.) and the "many bioactive compounds" contained in coffee.

[SOURCE]