Coffee aficionados have cause for celebration as new findings reveal the beloved drink could be a “secret hero” for gut health. Recent studies indicate that regular coffee consumption might boost Bifidobacteria in the body, beneficial for fibre digestion and infection prevention.
Good Housekeeping magazine reports that two to three cups daily might just be the magic number for optimal benefits. It would appear that decaf coffee also provides a boost. Something which is good news for people who get “anxious or jittery” with caffeine.
A 2009 study observed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium levels among adults who consumed about three cups of coffee per day over a period of three weeks, reports Bristol Live.
It concluded: “Our results show that the consumption of the coffee preparation resulting from water co-extraction of green and roasted coffee beans produce an increase in the metabolic activity and/or numbers of the Bifidobacterium population, a bacterial group of reputed beneficial effects, without major impact on the dominant microbiota.”
A 2021 study underscores the wide range of health advantages attributed to Bifidobacterium, spanning anti-infection, mood enhancement, immune system regulation, and improved nutrient absorption.
In addition to the ideal daily coffee intake, timing also plays a crucial role, suggests Dr Nina Rzechorzek of the University of Cambridge, warning against too hastily consuming your cuppa as it may be “unhelpful”.
According to Dr Rzechorzek, the human body produces cortisol, a stress hormone designed to stimulate wakefulness in the morning. However, consuming coffee can cause a surge in cortisol levels, potentially leading to an “unhelpful spike in alertness”.
This, in turn, may increase one’s tolerance to coffee, ultimately resulting in caffeine dependence. Dr Rzechorzek suggests that the optimal time to drink coffee is shortly after waking up.
Nevertheless, research on the ideal time for coffee consumption has yielded mixed results. In an interview with The Times, Dr Rzechorzek noted: “Some evidence suggests that waiting just a little bit after you’ve woken up? Maybe an hour before your first cup might be advantageous.”
What are the health benefits of coffee?
According to nutritionists ZOE coffee can positively impact the gut microbiome, likely due to its soluble fibre and prebiotic properties. Additionally, researchers have found that coffee may enhance long-term memory and improve attention, with some studies indicating that it can even slow cognitive decline.
However, Professor Tim Spector, founder of ZOE, cautions that individual caffeine tolerance plays a crucial role. He explains: “Caffeine tolerance is highly personal, and there are some factors that you can’t control – such as your genes.”
What is the NHS’s stance on caffeine consumption?
The NHS says that adults cap their caffeine intake at 400mg daily, equivalent to about four cups of coffee. The guidance states: “Drink caffeine in moderation – some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, depending on how much they drink and how often.”
