Drinking coffee may aid aging muscles. New research has found potential health benefits in trigonelline. The molecule is found in both coffee and the human body.
Muscles can weaken as people age because of cellular changes. The mitochondria produce less energy required to maintain muscle strength. People suffering from this condition have lower levels of trigonelline. The study found that supplementing trigonelline helped boost mitochondrial activity and preserve muscle health in animals and human cells.
Trigonelline is a form of vitamin B3. It adds to the smell and taste of coffee. It may boost glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol levels and protect brain cells.
Coffee is the most common source of dietary trigonelline. However, it’s also found in fenugreek seeds, peas and oats. That means you have options if you aren’t a coffee drinker but want to add trigonelline to your day.
There is no miracle food that will stop aging. However, trigonelline may slow muscle deterioration. This research was performed in worms, mice and human cells. It’s impossible to confidently say that the research results would transfer to people. And we don’t know how much coffee you would need to drink. Researchers are looking at whether a trigonelline supplement would be beneficial.
While a trigonelline supplement may be helpful, it’s not the only ingredient for healthy muscles. People still need vitamin D, omega-3s, plenty of protein and exercise as they age to ensure muscle health. A cup of coffee a day won’t keep muscle wasting away!
If you don’t drink coffee, you shouldn’t add it to your diet without first speaking to your doctor. Coffee might not be safe for you, depending on your health needs. Decaffeinated coffee contains 35 percent less trigonelline than normal coffee. You would have to drink more to get the same results.
This study is promising but not the final word on trigonelline. While we wait to learn more about the benefits of trigonelline and whether a supplement form of it could be beneficial, remember that there are other ways to help your muscles! With a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can help your muscles. The mice and worms in the study were getting high doses of trigonelline. Drinking as much might not yield the same results.
Speak to your doctor about the best ways you can maintain muscle strength. We all have different goals. Optimizing your diet or lifestyle may be your best approach while we wait to learn if a trigonelline supplement would be beneficial.
