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Do you wake up each day and immediately turn to your cup of coffee for that boost of energy? If so, you're like countless others who kick their day off with a good old cup of joe. A study recently published in the Journal of Nature Microbiology found that coffee can help your gut microbiome. In this gallery, you'll find everything you need to know about coffee, its effects on the gut, and how it can impact your life.
Curious about how coffee can positively impact you? Click through now to learn more.
Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit known as a coffee cherry, which grows on coffee trees from a genus of plants called Coffea.
There are two main types of coffee species, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica comes from Ethiopia and is mild yet flavorful, while the Robusta can survive in a wider range of temperatures and is grown in more locations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nature Microbiology says that coffee helps support the gut microbiome.
The study looked at 23,115 participants from both the US and the UK.
Coffee can help relieve constipation and reduce strain on the colon by prompting bowel movements.
Coffee has dietary fiber in it that acts as a prebiotic and feeds on gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
There are polyphenols or compounds that can act as antioxidants in coffee. These can form a barrier and help promote good bacteria.
Within coffee, you’ll find antioxidants like chlorogenic acid that can help protect the gut lining and ultimately aid in minimizing inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
Coffee can help lower pH levels in the stomach, which in turn can help reduce the acid reflux common with conditions like gastritis.
It’s important to balance your diet because otherwise, coffee’s pH level can actually cause acid reflux.
In moderation, coffee can help your heart and brain. It’s rich in compounds that may help prevent certain conditions.
Coffee, whether regular or decaf, can help protect your liver. Studies have shown that individuals who consume coffee have a healthy range of liver enzymes when compared to people who don’t.
If you're drinking too much coffee, on the other hand, there can be negative side effects, one of which is an increase in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too high it can lead to both short and long-term problems.
The caffeine in coffee causes the blood vessels around the brain to narrow and can subsequently result in a headache.
Consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee will stimulate the central nervous system and can cause the body to produce and release adrenaline, which can make you feel anxious or nervous.
Coffee is a stimulant to your central nervous system and can leave you feeling restless, especially at night when you're trying to rest.
The caffeine in coffee causes a diuretic effect and can lead to dehydration. Once dehydration happens, a slew of other symptoms can also happen. These secondary symptoms can include things like dizziness or vertigo.
Caffeine can actually relax the esophageal sphincter which can then cause acid reflux. It can also increase the acid that is released in your stomach which in turn can cause more acid reflux to occur.
Coffee and the caffeine it contains block adenosine, a chemical promoting relaxation. This can lead to an overactive nervous system causing the sensation of shaking.
Sources: (Healthline) (Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health) (MedicineNet) (Times of India) (National Library of Medicine)
See also: The secrets to perfect coffee: brewing techniques you need to know
How coffee influences your gut microbiome
Coffee’s hidden health benefits, explained
HEALTH Healthy living
Do you wake up each day and immediately turn to your cup of coffee for that boost of energy? If so, you're like countless others who kick their day off with a good old cup of joe. A study recently published in the Journal of Nature Microbiology found that coffee can help your gut microbiome. In this gallery, you'll find everything you need to know about coffee, its effects on the gut, and how it can impact your life.
Curious about how coffee can positively impact you? Click through now to learn more.