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<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cCoffee is more than just caffeine \u2014 it\u2019s a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes, our metabolism, and even our emotional well-being,\u201d says co-author of the study John Cryan, professor and principal investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe relationship between digestive and mental health is also increasingly being better understood, but the mechanisms behind coffee\u2019s effects on this gut-brain axis have remained unclear,\u201d he notes. \u201cOur findings suggest that coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, can influence health in distinct but complementary ways.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delving into the gut-brain axis<\/p>\n
The study is published in Nature Communications<\/a> and sponsored by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee. It investigated the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain through a wide range of measures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Participants in the trial consisted of 31 coffee drinkers and 31 non-coffee drinkers who were closely studied through a series of psychological tests, caffeine intake monitoring, and food diaries.<\/p>\n \u201cCoffee drinkers\u201d were identified as participants who regularly consume three to five cups of coffee each day, which is defined by the European Food Safety Authority as a safe and moderate amount for most consumers.<\/p>\n All participants first abstained from coffee for a washout period of two weeks, while completing their regular psychological assessments. Stool and urine samples provided insights into changes in their microbiome, while the participants reported on perceived mood or stress levels.<\/p>\n The abstinence period for coffee-drinkers corresponded with significant changes in metabolite profiles in the gut microbiome, compared to non-coffee drinkers.<\/p>\n Feeding bacteria<\/p>\n Coffee was reintroduced to regular drinkers on a blinded basis, with half of the participants consuming decaffeinated coffee and the other half caffeinated coffee. Both groups reported lower perceived stress, depression, and impulsivity scores, suggesting that drinking coffee significantly improved mood, regardless of caffeine content.<\/p>\n Bacteria, such as Eggertella\u00a0sp or Cryptobacterium curtum, notably increased in coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers, the researchers found.<\/p>\n They attribute Eggertella\u00a0to playing a role in gastric and intestinal acid secretion. Meanwhile, C. curtum is believed to be involved in bile acid synthesis. Both bacteria may play a role in eliminating unhealthy gut bacteria and stomach infections, note the scientists.\u00a0<\/p>\n Levels of Firmicutes bacteria also increased, which have been associated with positive emotions in females.<\/p>\n A notable improvement in learning and memory was found only in those who consumed decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that components other than caffeine, such as polyphenols, are responsible for these cognitive benefits.<\/p>\n However, in this study, the researchers found that only caffeinated coffee was associated with reduced feelings of anxiety, as well as improved vigilance and attention. Caffeine was also linked to a reduced risk of inflammation.<\/p>\n \u201cOur findings reveal the microbiome and neurological responses to coffee, as well as their potential long-term benefits for a healthier microbiome. Coffee may modify what microbes do collectively, and what metabolites they use,\u201d says Cryan.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the public continues to think about dietary changes for the right digestive balance, coffee has the potential to also be harnessed as a further intervention as part of a healthy, balanced diet.\u201d<\/p>\n Science illuminates coffee\u2019s health halo<\/p>\n Coffee\u2019s reputation in health research is positively represented. One recent trial<\/a> found that drinking two to three cups daily may reduce dementia risk, slow down cognitive decline, and preserve cognitive abilities. This study had a follow-up of up to 43 years and demonstrates that daily coffee consumption could have long-term protective benefits for the brain.<\/p>\n