"Surprised by the Results? Decaf Boosts Memory, Says Coffee Study"

Coffee Has Positive Effects on Gut and Mental Health
"Improves Mood, Reduces Stress"
Decaf Improves Memory, Caffeine Boosts Focus

Research has found that consistently drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day can alter the gut microbiome environment and have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing stress and feelings of depression. In particular, decaffeinated coffee has been shown to improve learning ability and memory, while caffeinated coffee is effective in enhancing concentration.

In a recent paper published in the international journal Nature Communications, the APC Microbiome Ireland research team at University College Cork in Ireland analyzed how coffee affects the 'gut-brain axis'—the connection between the gut and the brain.

The research team compared 31 people who regularly drank coffee with 31 people who did not. Participants underwent psychological evaluations, recorded their diet and caffeine intake, and provided stool and urine samples so that the researchers could analyze changes in gut bacteria and emotional states. In the study, the coffee-consuming group was defined as those who drank an average of 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day. This amount is considered a safe and appropriate intake by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

At the beginning of the experiment, the coffee-consuming group abstained from coffee for two weeks. During this period, the research team continuously monitored their biological samples and mental health status.

"Decaf Improves Memory, Caffeine Boosts Focus"…Cognitive Effects Differ by Type

The study found that after participants stopped drinking coffee, there were marked changes in the metabolites produced by their gut microbiome, and differences were observed compared to the non-coffee group.

Afterwards, the research team had participants resume coffee consumption without knowing whether they were drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. Half of the group received decaffeinated coffee, while the other half received regular coffee. Both groups experienced mood improvements, such as reduced stress, depression, and impulsiveness. The research team concluded that even coffee without caffeine can positively affect emotional states.

The study also found that certain gut bacteria were more prevalent in coffee drinkers. Levels of 'Eggertella sp' and 'Cryptobacterium curtum' were higher. These microbes are involved in acid production and bile acid synthesis in the digestive tract. The research team explained that such processes may help protect the body against harmful bacteria and infections.

Additionally, bacteria belonging to the 'Firmicutes' group, which are known to be associated with positive emotions, were also found to have increased.

Differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were also observed in cognitive function. Improvements in learning ability and memory were seen only in participants who drank decaffeinated coffee. The research team analyzed that components such as polyphenols, rather than caffeine, may be associated with some of the cognitive benefits.

On the other hand, participants who drank caffeinated coffee experienced not only reduced anxiety but also improved concentration and attention. Caffeine was also found to be associated with reduced inflammation risk.

"Coffee Is More Than Just a Caffeinated Beverage"

John Cryan, professor at University College Cork and lead author of the study, explained, "Recently, interest in gut health has surged, and the connection between digestive health and mental health is gradually being revealed, but the mechanism by which coffee affects the gut-brain axis had not been clear."

He continued, "This study shows how coffee affects gut microbes and neurological responses, and what potential long-term benefits it may have in creating a healthy gut environment. Coffee can influence the activity of the gut microbiome and the way metabolites are utilized."

He added, "Coffee is not simply a caffeinated beverage, but a complex dietary factor that interacts with the gut microbiome, metabolism, and emotional health. This suggests that caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can each affect health in different ways."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.