ScienceDaily · Texas A&M University · July 19, 2026
A hidden cellular switch may explain how coffee helps the body fight stress and aging
Researchers at Texas A&M report (in the journal Nutrients) that coffee activates a cellular receptor called NR4A1 that helps protect cells against stress, inflammation, and damage — and when the receptor is removed, coffee’s protective effects vanish. The interesting part for coffee lovers: the effect comes mainly from polyphenols like caffeic acid rather than caffeine, so decaf showed similar benefits.
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