Danish scientists have discovered that cafestol, a natural substance found in unfiltered coffee, can reduce weight and the amount of dangerous visceral fat, even without changes in diet.
Researchers at Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus conducted a 12-week experiment with 40 overweight people. Half of the participants took 6 mg of purified cafestol twice a day, while the other half received a placebo. The diet remained the same, and the amount of unfiltered coffee allowed was only one cup per day to avoid additional exposure.
The results are impressive: among participants taking cafestol, weight decreased by an average of 0.88 kg (−2%), and the volume of visceral fat decreased by 5% (approximately 440 ml). They also recorded improvements in liver function - the level of the enzyme GGT decreased by 15%.
At the same time, glucose levels, blood pressure, and the amount of subcutaneous fat did not change significantly. This indicates that the substance has a targeted effect on deep fat metabolism.
Cafestol is a component of coffee oils that in large doses can raise "bad" cholesterol, but in this study (12 mg per day) no negative effect was recorded. Scientists suggest that the substance activates mitochondria in fat cells, forcing the body to burn energy reserves, rather than accumulate them.
Experts emphasize that despite the promising results, people at risk of cardiovascular disease should wait for larger studies before using cafestol supplements.
Unfiltered coffee—espresso, French press, or Turkish brew—remains the main natural source of this molecule, which could become a new tool in the fight against obesity and related diseases.
