University College Cork Links 3-5 Cups of Coffee a Day to Better Gut and Brain Health
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 30
University College Cork Links 3-5 Cups of Coffee a Day to Better Gut and Brain Health
5 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 30
University College Cork researchers found that drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day was associated with more beneficial gut bacteria and gains in mood, cognition and immune function.
The study tied those effects to the microbiota-gut-brain axis, with coffee linked to higher beneficial polyphenols and metabolites, lower inflammatory markers, and higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Caffeinated coffee reduced anxiety, psychological distress, blood pressure and improved attention and stress coping, while decaffeinated coffee was linked to better sleep, physical activity and memory.
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee lowered stress and depression and improved overall mood and cognition, suggesting benefits beyond caffeine alone.
The report adds to broader evidence linking coffee to health benefits, though the researchers said the mechanisms remain only partly understood and timing of consumption was not addressed.
A new study praised instant coffee, but does your daily espresso offer the same powerful gut and brain benefits?
Beyond caffeine, how does coffee reprogram your gut bacteria to control your mood and fight inflammation?
At what point does your daily coffee habit turn from a mental health benefit into a serious risk?