A recent study highlights that drinking coffee can affect the balance of your gut microbiome, which is the ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms in your digestive tract. Researchers discovered that people who regularly drink coffee have higher levels of a particular type of bacteria called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus compared to those who don’t drink coffee often.
Although not much is known about L. asaccharolyticus, researchers, including Nicola Segata from the University of Trento, suggest it might play a role in some of coffee’s health benefits for the heart and brain. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the bacteria in our gut have a big impact on our overall health, potentially influencing chronic diseases.
This new study, by nutrition company ZOE and published in Nature Microbiology, builds on earlier research indicating that coffee has a stronger link to the gut microbiome than any other food or drink tested. The research involved over 23,000 participants from the U.S. and the U.K., analyzing their gut microbiome using a method called metagenomics, which examines genetic material from stool samples. Participants also reported their coffee habits through surveys.
Researchers categorized participants into groups based on their coffee consumption: those who drank less than three cups a month (never), more than three cups daily (high), and those in between (moderate). They found significantly higher levels of L. asaccharolyticus in regular coffee drinkers compared to non-drinkers.
The findings were consistent across different health statuses and locations, suggesting the results aren’t tied to specific coffee types or diets. Further lab tests confirmed that L. asaccharolyticus grows more rapidly in the presence of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, indicating caffeine may not be the sole factor in this relationship.
This study opens up new questions about how coffee interacts with our gut bacteria. We still have much to learn about L. asaccharolyticus, including its potential health effects. Researchers speculate that components in coffee, like chlorogenic acid, might encourage the growth of this microbe. Chlorogenic acid, after being broken down in the body, produces metabolites that can promote the growth of various beneficial microbes.
For those interested in maintaining a healthy gut, diet remains crucial. Consuming a variety of plant-based foods rich in fiber supports healthy gut bacteria. Foods like garlic, oats, bananas, and legumes are excellent sources of prebiotic fiber.
If you’re considering adding coffee to your routine, it’s best to start gradually to see how your body responds. Coffee can prompt bowel movements, so those with certain digestive issues might need to limit their intake.
