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Coffee or tea? The choice may depend on ... genes

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Coffee or tea? The choice may depend on ... genes

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Hot tea

Could the choice between coffee and tea be down to our genes? It turns out that yes! This has been proven by scientists from Australia and the USA.

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Having a hot drink every morning is a very important ritual for many people. Most often, they make a choice between coffee and tea. Researchers from the University of Illinois (USA) and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Australia) decided to take a closer look at what might influence this choice.

- Our study helps explain why we prefer certain beverages. The perception of bitter-tasting substances may be essential ,' said one of its authors, Marilyn Cornelis of Northwest University.

Genes may play an important role in the perception of different tastes

The results of the study showed that the popularity of coffee, tea or alcohol may depend on individual differences in the perception of bitter taste. Which type of beverage one prefers may be linked to the presence or absence of genes. People with a version of the gene that increases sensitivity to the bitter taste of caffeine are more likely to drink coffee. In contrast, tea drinkers are less sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine, but have versions of genes that increase sensitivity to the bitterness of other chemicals.

Health effects of coffee and tea drinking

Coffee and tea have positive, as well as negative, effects on our bodies. Coffee raises blood pressure for a period of time, increases gastric acid secretion, improves mood and thinking performance and has a diuretic effect. However, it negatively affects many aspects of our health, as it leaches vitamins and mineral salts such as B vitamins, magnesium and calcium from the body. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, headaches, irritability and nervousness. This drink is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Tea, on the other hand, is rich in compounds that have antioxidant and anticancer effects. It has theine in its composition, which, like caffeine, has a stimulating effect, reduces drowsiness and improves mood. It has tannins that counteract diarrhoea, has diuretic properties and improves the digestive tract. On the other hand, the side effects of tea are the possibility of interaction with certain drugs (for example, antidepressants), which can lead to poor or worse absorption. Combining tea with lemon, on the other hand, may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Theine in large quantities leads to impaired memory, feelings of anxiety and even addiction, as does caffeine. It can also impair iron absorption.

It is important to remember that both coffee and tea should be drunk in moderation. These beverages should not be drunk like mineral water. One or two cups per day are definitely enough!