For many years, studies have shown that people who drink coffee tend to have a lower risk of several diseases and may live longer, according to ScienceDaily.
However, researchers have not known exactly why coffee appears to be linked to these health benefits.
A new study from Texas A&M University examined what happens inside the body's cells. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
Not just caffeine
The researchers found that caffeine is probably not the most important factor.
Also read: The first thing you do after a tick bite could make all the difference
Instead, other naturally occurring compounds in coffee appear to affect a receptor in the body known as NR4A1.
According to the researchers, this receptor plays a role in helping the body manage inflammation, repair damage, and protect cells.
The study also found that some plant-based compounds in coffee influence the receptor more strongly than caffeine.
This may explain why both regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee have been linked to similar health benefits in previous studies.
Also read: She ate sardines every day for a week – here's how her skin reacted
A possible explanation
In laboratory experiments, the researchers observed that cells sustained less damage when the receptor was activated. When the receptor was removed, the protective effect disappeared.
The researchers therefore believe they may have identified an important part of the explanation for why coffee is often associated with healthy aging and a lower risk of disease.
At the same time, they emphasize that the study does not prove that coffee can prevent disease in humans and that further research is needed.
Also read: Two new treatments can help patients with rare blood cancers
Also read: The source of caffeine may be crucial for heart health, new research shows