As if coffee drinkers need another excuse to continue brewing their favorite glass, new research suggests that coffee is beneficial for gut health.
Known for its antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties, coffee has long been advertised because of its many health benefits. In fact, thousands of compounds are packed in each glass, helping to improve mental alertness, reduce inflammation, maintain heart health and even relieve pain after exercise. A recent study published in Natural microbiology It reveals a new advantage of coffee: it maintains the growth of beneficial bowel bacteria.
What did the researchers find?
In this study, researchers analyzed stool samples of 22,867 participants to understand the effects of coffee on the bacteria of the intestine. They categorized the participants in three groups: the “never” group (those who drink less than three glasses a month), “moderate” drinking coffee (those who consume at least three glasses a month to three glasses a day) and “heavy” drinking coffee (those who drink three or more glasses a day).
Related: The real reason you don’t have to order coffee or tea on a plane
Researchers have found that coffee drinkers have high levels of a specific bacterial strain, L. AsaccharolyticusS The results suggest that drinking coffee can have a positive effect on your intestine, helping the growth of good bacteria – an exciting profit for drinking coffee.
How important is it to have a healthy gut first?
“It turns out that the gut microbiome is probably much more important than we even expected,” says Michael Kaplan, MD. He explains that beneficial bacteria in our gut are essential for our overall health, and the presence of a varied microbiome is crucial. A healthy gut can help prevent the diarrhea of the traveler, antibiotic -induced diarrhea and can even play a role in managing obesity, heart disease and chemotherapy results, according to Caplan.
Our intestine is also housed the bigger part of our immune cells, which makes it vital to protect and maintain its power. The healthy intestine also maintains digestion, reduces inflammation and affects our thoughts. Have you ever felt nervous and noticed that your gut is starting to feel restless? Our intestine and brain are closely intertwined.
How exactly does coffee enhance the beneficial bacteria?
D -CPlan points out that not only caffeine enhances beneficial bacteria, since even drinking DECAF has a positive effect on our intestines. Key participants are probably polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid and quinic acid found in coffee, which help to enhance the growth of this beneficial bacterium. Science suggests that polyphenols act as prebiotics. They feed and promote the growth of beneficial bowel bacteria.
Are there restrictions on the results of the study?
As with any new discovery, additional research is needed, especially as regards the potential of L. SaccharolyticS D -CPlan explains that this bacterial strain has only been identified in the last five years, so we still do not fully understand how it contributes to health benefits. Can help reduce mortality or improve results in heart disease or cancer? More studies are needed to understand how these bacteria can contribute to reducing the disease and improving health.
How many coffee does he have to drink to win these benefits?
“It is very safe to drink one or two cups of coffee a day and that would be enough to stimulate your intestinal flora to be prepared to help you improve your long-term health,” says Dr. Kaplan. This is aligned with the FDA recommendations that keep caffeine intake up to no more than 400 milligrams a day or about four glasses with coffee.
Related: A new survey is said
And good news for those who like a little milk spraying or sprinkle sugar in your coffee, the study showed that these additions do not affect the benefits of bowel health.
Bottom line
This new study is an exciting news for coffee drinkers, as coffee is not yet associated with improved bowel health. But do not forget about other foods and drinks that can also maintain a healthy intestine such as yogurt, yogurt, fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut and kombucha.
Read the original article about Food & Wine