Michael Brown

Coffee boosts billions of friendly microbes residing in your digestive system That morning cup of coffee doesn’t just wake you up for the day, it also gives a boost to billions of friendly microbes residing in your digestive system. Because, according to a growing body of research, there is evidence that your espresso may positively influence your microbiome – gut bacteria – leading to better overall health and even a longer life. “The microbiome comprises legions of species of ‘good bacteria’ that work collectively and individually to improve our health,” says Nicola Shubrook, a registered nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner. “These microbes are increasingly being seen to benefit our metabolic health, weight management and mental health,” she continues. “Coffee contains several compounds that act as a prebiotic, which means that they nourish the probiotic beneficial bacteria by providing them with nutrients necessary for growth and function.” The impact of coffee on our gut flora appears to be twofold. Firstly, caffeine itself acts as a stimulant, increasing the number of helpful bacteria in the gut. “The greater the diversity in your digestive system, the better,” says Shubrook. A 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the association between caffeine, coffee consumption and the colonic microbiome. Results showed the richness of the microbiome to be higher with regular coffee drinkers, who had increased numbers of the helpful Alistipes and Faecalibacterium types (thought to have preventative effects against liver fibrosis and cardiovascular illness), and lower levels of the harmful Erysipelatoclostridium, which causes gut problems. This follows an earlier study where coffee consumption was found to be associated with an increase in bifidobacterium, microbes thought to help with the digestion of fibre and prevent infections. Coffee also contains plant compounds called polyphenols, a category of compounds naturally found in plant foods, such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and wine. “Polyphenols act as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant,” notes Shubrook. “They can help reduce the risk of cancer by neutralising harmful free radicals, the chemicals that damage cells.” The specific polyphenol in coffee is known as chlorogenic acid. According to a 2020 study published in Experimental and Clinical Sciences, patients who consumed coffee rich in chlorogenic acid lowered their risk of Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – they also lost weight. Scientists concluded this was probably related to an increase in intestinal bifidobacteria (one of the “good” ones). Established studies have also shown that caffeine is good for your gut, stimulating the colon and leading to regular bowel movements. One 1990 study showed that people who drank coffee tended to need the loo 30 minutes after drinking a cup. Read more: uk.news.yahoo.com/drinking-c…