Coffee drinkers have yet another reason to indulge in their morning cup of coffee. A recent study found that drinking coffee benefits your gut's microbiome.
While it is already known that coffee is rich in antioxidants, assorted phenolic compounds as well as other nutrients and fiber, a recent study published in the Journal of Nature Microbiology sheds light on coffee's probiotic benefits. The digestive tract is the main home of the human microbiome.
The study revealed that coffee boosts levels of Lawsonibacter asacharolyticus (L. asaccharolyticus) which is a microbe that benefits heart and brain health. The research also showed that coffee has the greatest impact of all food on the composition of gut microbiome.
Researchers examined the gut flora from more than 23,000 participants from the United States and the United Kingdom. Participants were categorized according to coffee consumption and put into one of three categories: "Never" for those who consumed less than three cups a month; "high" for those who drink more than three cups a day and "moderate for those who fall between the other two categories.
Results showed that the levels of L. asaccharolyticus was 4.5 to 8 times higher in the "high" consumption group compared to the "never" group and 3.4 to 6.4 times higher in the "moderate" group.
Researchers advise that while coffee offers these benefits to gut health, it is important to drink in moderation and not exceed more than three cups a day because excessive coffee consumption irritates the gut lining and causes an imbalance in the gut thus negating the benefits it can provide.