Coffee consumption linked to muscle mass and hormonal changes

Research published in the ‘European Journal of Nutrition’ and studies from Flinders University have identified various links between coffee consumption, metabolism, and bone health.

A study led by the University of Oulu analyzed data from 2,264 participants. Researchers found that higher coffee consumption was generally associated with lower body fat and increased skeletal muscle mass, even when BMI remained similar. The study also noted distinct hormonal patterns: in men, higher intake was linked to better glucose-insulin ratios and higher concentrations of total and free testosterone. In women, the effects were different, showing higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and lower levels of free androgenic hormones.

Separately, a ten-year study involving nearly 10,000 women examined the impact of coffee on bone density. While moderate consumption of two to three cups per day showed no negative correlation with bone health, consuming more than five cups daily was associated with lower bone mineral density in women. Researchers noted that overall lifestyle factors and alcohol consumption also play significant roles in bone health.