How to drink coffee to benefit the intestines?

Scientists have just discovered a major benefit of coffee for gut health, according to Food & Wine.

Coffee has long been praised for its many health benefits - Photo: FREEPIK

Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coffee has long been hailed for its many health benefits.

Is coffee good for gut health?

There are thousands of compounds in every cup of coffee that help improve mental alertness, reduce inflammation, support heart health, and even reduce post-workout pain. A recent study published in the journal Nature Microbiology has revealed a new benefit of coffee – it helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Researchers analyzed stool samples from 22,867 participants to see how coffee affected gut bacteria. They divided participants into three groups.

The “never” coffee drinkers were those who drank less than three cups per month. The “moderate” coffee drinkers were those who consumed at least three cups per month to three cups per day. Finally, the “heavy” coffee drinkers were those who drank three or more cups per day.

Researchers found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of L. asaccharolyticus bacteria. Drinking coffee may have a positive effect on the gut, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

“The gut microbiome is much more important than we once thought,” says Michael Caplan, MD, clinical professor at the University of Chicago and chief scientific officer at Endeavor Health.

He explains that beneficial bacteria in the gut are essential for overall health, and having a diverse microbiome is incredibly important.

According to Dr. Caplan, a healthy gut helps prevent diarrhea and even plays a role in managing obesity, heart disease, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.

The gut also contains the majority of immune cells, making it important to protect and maintain gut health. A healthy gut also aids digestion and reduces inflammation.

How much coffee is good to drink?

Dr. Caplan points out that it’s not just caffeine that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Even drinking decaffeinated coffee has a positive effect on the gut.

The key players may be polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid and quinic acid found in coffee, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Studies show that polyphenols act like prebiotics, providing nutrition and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

As with any new discovery, further research is needed, especially regarding the potential of L. asaccharolyticus.

Dr. Caplan explains that this strain of bacteria has only been discovered in the last five years, so we still don't fully understand how L. asaccharolyticus provides health benefits.

“Drinking one or two cups of coffee a day is very safe, and that amount is enough to stimulate your gut microbiome to improve your long-term health,” says Dr. Caplan.

This is in line with the recommendation of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which states that caffeine intake should not exceed 400 milligrams per day, equivalent to about four cups of brewed coffee.

Research also shows that adding a little milk or sugar does not affect the gut health benefits of coffee.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/uong-ca-phe-cach-nao-de-co-loi-cho-duong-ruot-20250312232016311.htm