Khaberni - Researchers continuously conduct studies aimed at understanding the impact of common daily beverages on human health and body functions; coffee is among the most widely consumed drinks globally.
In this context, researchers from University College Cork in Ireland conducted a study involving 62 healthy adults to analyze the effects of coffee on the body and brain. The sample included 31 regular coffee drinkers and 31 non-drinkers.
At the beginning of the experiment, all participants underwent examinations that included samples of blood, urine, and feces, as well as completing questionnaires related to mood and behavior, and conducting memory and cognitive ability tests.
Thereafter, coffee drinkers were asked to completely stop consuming coffee for two weeks. Then, they were randomly assigned to two groups for an additional 21 days: one group consumed caffeinated coffee and the other consumed decaffeinated coffee.
After comparing results between the stopping phase and the return to coffee consumption, researchers noted that regular coffee drinkers initially tended to have more impulsive behavior and emotional responses compared to non-drinkers. However, these indicators decreased during the coffee abstinence period (two weeks).
Upon resuming coffee drinking, clear differences emerged depending on the type of coffee. Those who consumed caffeinated coffee reported a decrease in anxiety and psychological distress, while the decaffeinated coffee group experienced improvements in sleep quality, physical activity, and memory performance.
Researchers indicate that these results suggest that the effects of coffee are not limited to caffeine alone, but may also include other plant compounds that affect the body.
These compounds, such as phenolic acids, are known to be antioxidants found in many plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables.
The study also revealed changes in the gut microbiome of coffee drinkers, which is a community of bacteria and microorganisms living in the digestive system, believed to play a role in digestion, immunity, mood, and brain health.
It was observed that some of these changes started returning gradually to levels closer to non-drinkers after stopping coffee, then altered again when reintroduced to the diet.
On the other hand, researchers found that regular coffee drinkers had lower indicators of inflammation in the body, such as decreased C-reactive protein (a common inflammation marker) and increased levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10.
However, these indicators changed after stopping coffee, then improved again upon returning to consuming it.
Despite these results, researchers emphasize that the study does not prove a direct causal relationship between coffee and improvements in memory, mood, or overall health, particularly as the sample size was relatively small, and other factors might influence the results.
These findings come within a broader context of studies linking moderate coffee consumption with reduced risks of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver diseases, and heart disorders, while it may lead to increased anxiety and sleep disturbances in some individuals.
In conclusion, researchers stress the need for larger and longer studies to more accurately understand the true impact of coffee and its components on human health.
