Scientists Had Coffee Drinkers Quit for Two Weeks. One Result Stood Out
Summary
Researchers from University College Cork studied how stopping coffee for two weeks affected 62 people’s gut bacteria, mood, stress, and thinking. They found that coffee changes gut bacteria and may lower stress and depression, with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee showing benefits. Different compounds in coffee, not just caffeine, seem to affect learning, memory, and anxiety.Key Facts
- The study involved 62 people; half regularly drank 3–5 cups of coffee daily, the rest did not drink coffee.
- Coffee was stopped for two weeks for regular drinkers, then coffee was reintroduced without telling participants if it was caffeinated or decaf.
- Gut metabolites (chemicals made during digestion) changed significantly after stopping coffee in regular drinkers.
- Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee reduced perceived stress, depression, and impulsivity.
- Certain gut bacteria (like Eggerthella sp. and Cryptobacterium curtum) were more common in coffee drinkers.
- Decaffeinated coffee improved learning and memory, which caffeinated coffee did not.
- Caffeinated coffee helped reduce anxiety and improve attention and vigilance.
- Compounds in coffee like polyphenols (not just caffeine) may influence gut health and brain function.
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