Coffee Shows Maximum Effect on Gut Health
Up to 8 Times More Beneficial Bacteria
Decaffeinated Coffee Has the Same Effect
A study has revealed that coffee has a positive effect on gut health. It was confirmed that consistent coffee consumption can increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria by up to 8 times.
According to research published on the 7th in the international journal Nature Microbiology, coffee can act as an important mediator connecting the gut microbiome and human health, beyond being a simple beverage.
Professor Nicola Segata's research team from the Department of Biology and Computer Science for Life Sciences at the University of Trento in Italy conducted a detailed analysis of the correlation between dietary habits and gut microbiota in about 22,000 adults living in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The study found that the gut of people who frequently consume coffee contains up to 8 times more of the beneficial bacteria called ‘Rothia asaccharolytica’ compared to those who do not. This was true not only for regular coffee but also for groups consuming decaffeinated coffee.
The growth of this beneficial gut bacteria appears to be significantly influenced by ‘quinic acid,’ an antioxidant compound found in coffee. Quinic acid is an antioxidant present not only in coffee beans but also in various plant-based foods such as apples, blueberries, and cherries, and is known to contribute to inflammation reduction and oxidative stress alleviation. Chlorogenic acid, abundant in coffee, is broken down by gut microbes and converted into quinic acid, a process believed to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Furthermore, the research team stated that polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid provide a prebiotic effect on beneficial gut bacteria, increasing microbial diversity in the gut and contributing to enhanced immunity and improved digestive function. The team commented, "Polyphenols like chlorogenic acid exhibit prebiotic effects that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, increase gut microbial diversity, and contribute to immune strengthening and digestive improvement. This study is a rare case demonstrating that a single food like coffee can directly interact with specific gut microbes, marking an important turning point in revealing the link between gut health and diet."
Coffee is already well known as a food that promotes intestinal motility and aids bowel movements. Experts advise that coffee consumption may positively impact overall health maintenance by promoting the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing microbial diversity.
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