Study Reveals How Coffee Influences Gut Health and Brain Function

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:20:00 +0200

Researchers at University College Cork's APC Microbiome Ireland have uncovered how coffee impacts the gut-brain axis, demonstrating that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can positively shape gut bacteria and influence mental well-being. In a study with 62 participants, coffee consumption was linked to improvements in mood, reduced stress, and changes in specific gut microbes, including Eggertella sp and Cryptobacterium curtum. Decaf coffee improved learning and memory, suggesting that compounds beyond caffeine, such as polyphenols, contribute to cognitive benefits. Meanwhile, caffeinated coffee enhanced focus, alertness, and reduced anxiety. The study highlights that coffee’s effects extend beyond stimulation from caffeine, affecting gut metabolites, microbiome composition, and neurological responses. These findings suggest that moderate coffee intake, whether caffeinated or decaf, can support both digestive and mental health, potentially making coffee a valuable component of