Coffee Boosts Beneficial Gut Microbes

We have seen several studies pointing to the health benefits of coffee consumption, including a reducing in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even colon cancer. In a large epidemiologic study in the US and UK, researchers have discovered that coffee enhances the population of beneficial gut bacteria.

Published recently in Nature Microbiology, scientists analyzed fecal DNA from over 20,000 participants who tracked their daily coffee consumption and found that regular coffee consumption was linked to the growth of a specific gut bacterium called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. This microbe produces butyrate, a marker of adequate gut fermentation that indicates proper digestion and nutrient absorption. While the researchers discovered that coffee drinking correlated with an increase in several microbial species, the correlation with L. asaccharolyticus growth was the strongest, even with decaffeinated coffee. Furthermore, giving coffee to colonies of this bacteria growing on petri dishes made them grow even faster. The research team also analyzed metabolites from a few hundred participants’ blood samples and found that an increase in quinic acid (a polyphenol that reduces inflammation) and hippirate (a compound that indicates positive gut health) were strongly associated with L. asaccharolyticus growth.

This study suggests that the health benefits of coffee may be partly due to its positive effect on healthy gut microbes. Regular consumption of coffee (decaf if you are sensitive to caffeine) can be healthy. Of course, avoid beverages that contain excessive amounts of sugar, cream, preservatives, or artificial colors and flavors. Frappucinos are not very healthy.