Whether coffee is good for your health largely depends on your genes. But which gene plays a role? Here's how to find out—right from home.
For many people, coffee is more than just another drink—it’s a daily ritual. Whether as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, coffee plays an almost indispensable role in everyday life. But how healthy is it really? The answer is more complex than it might seem, because it largely depends on our genes.
Genetics expert Daniel Wallerstorfer, founder of the health tech company NovoDaily, explains, a specific gene influences how our bodies process caffeine—and he shares how you can easily find out at home..
Caffeine—the main active compound in coffee—is best known for its energizing effect. It works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing the feeling of fatigue. But this effect can come with downsides. Studies suggest that excessive caffeine intake may reduce life expectancy by as much as 21 percent.
According to Daniel Wallerstorfer, caffeine can raise blood pressure and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks—especially in young people with hypertension. Other potential health risks linked to high caffeine consumption include insomnia, headaches, incontinence, and even miscarriages.
This is where the so-called “caffeine gene,” known as CYP1A2, comes into play. This gene is responsible for how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. As Wallerstorfer explains, everyone has two copies of this gene—but not all of them work the same way.
People with two fully functioning copies metabolize caffeine quickly and are less sensitive to its negative effects. This applies to about 41 percent of the population. In roughly 43 percent, only one copy functions properly. Those with one or two impaired copies process caffeine more slowly and face a higher risk of adverse effects.
For people with one or two impaired genes, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day increases the risk of heart attack by 63 percent. By contrast, those with fully functioning genes can actually lower their heart attack risk by about 20 percent by drinking one to two cups per day.
Coffee can also offer health benefits—at least for people with the right genetic makeup. A Swedish study from 2008 found that women who regularly drank coffee and had a functioning CYP1A2 gene developed breast cancer an average of seven years later than women who rarely or never drank coffee. This protective effect is attributed to the antioxidants found in coffee.
A genetic analysis can reveal whether your caffeine gene is functioning properly—and whether your daily coffee habit is harmless or something you should reconsider. Still, even for those who need to cut back, there are other ways to increase your energy levels. As Wallerstorfer puts it:
One cup of coffee a day is manageable for most people. Beyond that, energy should come from an optimized lifestyle—adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
There’s also a simple at-home test that can offer a rough indication of how your body handles caffeine. Wallerstorfer suggests the following:
Try drinking a cup of coffee and see whether you can still fall asleep afterward. If you can, your CYP1A2 genes are likely functioning normally. If sleep is delayed by several hours, at least one copy of the gene may be impaired—suggesting that caffeine isn’t ideal for your body. However, because people can build up tolerance, this self-test is only a rough guideline and not a reliable genetic test.
