Coffee may have effects far beyond alertness. New research indicates that both regular and decaffeinated coffee can alter the gut microbiome and influence mood, stress, memory, and attention through the gut-brain connection.
Effects of Coffee on Microbiome and Mood
Scientists at the research center in APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork extensively examined how coffee may affect the connection between the digestive system and the brain. In this study, 31 regular coffee drinkers and 31 individuals who typically did not drink coffee were evaluated.
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Participants completed psychological assessments and recorded their caffeine consumption and dietary habits. Researchers also collected stool and urine samples to examine changes in gut microbes and mood.
Key Findings and Metabolic Effects
After reintroducing coffee into the participants' diets, both groups reported lower scores for perceived stress, depression, and impulsivity. The findings suggest that some of coffee's effects on mood may not be entirely dependent on caffeine.
Researchers also observed higher levels of beneficial bacteria in coffee consumers. Bacteria such as “Eggertella sp.” and “Cryptobacterium curtum” were more abundant among coffee drinkers compared to those who did not drink coffee. These bacteria may help create a favorable environment in the gut and eliminate harmful infections.
Improved learning and memory were observed only among participants who consumed decaffeinated coffee. This suggests that substances other than caffeine may play a role in some of coffee's cognitive effects.
Ultimately, the findings indicate that coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, can impact health in distinct but complementary ways. This study adds to the growing evidence that coffee should not merely be considered a source of caffeine but rather as a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes and metabolism.
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