New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection.
In the small study, published April 21 in Nature Communications, researchers found regularly drinking coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions − can affect the gut microbiome, influencing mood and stress.
Researchers studied 31 coffee drinkers and 31 non-drinkers via psychological tests, caffeine and food diaries as well as stool and urine samples to understand changes in their microbiome, mood and stress levels.
Those who drank coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated − reported lower perceived stress, depression and impulsivity scores. This suggests drinking coffee significantly improved mood, regardless of caffeine content, according to the authors.
"Coffee is more than just caffeine − it’s a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes, our metabolism, and even our emotional wellbeing," author John Cryan said in a news release. "Our findings suggest that coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, can influence health in distinct but complementary ways."
