This one common breakfast drink could improve your gut and brain health (Image: Getty)
Brits starting their day with a hit of caffeine may not be aware of the busting properties of one morning drink.
While you might have once considered caffeine as a guilty pleasure to be reduced, numerous studies have discovered that in its purest form, it can offer a range of health benefits.
There is now even evidence that may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. According to Shubrook, a practitioner at the Institute for Functional Medicine the positive impacts of coffee on your gut can actually aid brain health.
She said: “The compounds found in coffee can have a positive impact on the gut and and the gut lining, but also the neural and non neural components of the responsible for motor function and the gut brain axis.”
There has been research to support that gut microbes help to produce many of the chemical neurotransmitters that send messages between your gut and brain. So in simplified terms, according to Shubrook “a healthy gut is a healthy brain”.
She added that this is also what has led researchers to “suggest a link between coffee consumption and a
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If you think fibre is only present in leafy greens, you are wrong again. In fact, coffee contains a key fibre for our gut health. Shubrook said: “Fibre is key for gut health and studies have claimed that brewed coffee contains soluble fibre, while coffee beans are rich in non-digestible polysaccharides.
“The gut also thrives on polyphenols, which can be found in coffee, and they act like prebiotics. When something is rich in prebiotic properties, it works by feeding your beneficial bacteria that makeup your gut microbiota. Microbiota can help to regulate our immune system, the digestion of food and also the production of key vitamins, such as B12.”
A recent observational study by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that participants who consumed two to three cups of coffee daily also had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.
So, what makes coffee healthy? Shubrook told Coffee Friend that this tip does not apply to thecream topped drinks you might be buying.She said: “It’s important to note that many of the studies done on coffee and health benefits are with coffee in its purest form. So black with no sugars or artificial sweeteners. One of the interesting things about coffee that makes it unique is the components of it in this form.
“Researchers believe coffee has hundreds of polyphenols, which can work as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Coffee can also be high in fibre, and the bitterness can be good for our livers.”
One of the best ways to enjoy your brew, she advised is to, “Have black coffee or pure espresso shots. Your taste buds may be used to the sweetness that comes with sugar, sweeteners or even some of the plant-based milks we have on offer. And black coffee can taste very bitter if you’re not used to it.
“Our body actually loves bitter foods and drinks, and they’re good for our liver, stimulating bowels and getting digestion going. So I would recommend gradually reducing the amount of milk and sugar or sugar alternatives until your taste buds have adjusted.”
Shubrook also highlighted the positives of a regular cup, “Can reduce risk of heart disease,” explaining, “Studies have shown a link between coffee consumption and reduced risk of heart disease, and this can be because things like cardiovascular health and diabetes are inflammatory conditions. So the thought is if you consume something anti-inflammatory, like coffee which contains hundreds of polyphenols, it could reduce the risk of something developing.”
Regular consumption of coffee could help to stimulate regular bowel movements. Shubrook added: “Coffee acts like a colonic stimulant and its impact on the body is similar to that of a meal. As it can trigger contractions in your colon and intestinal muscles, this may lead to an easier bowel movement and less discomfort from constipation.”
Lastly, coffee can also provide protection against headaches. Shubrook said: “A lot of people believe coffee gives them a headache, but I have read research recently that suggests it may work as a protective measure against headaches.
“The thought is that when you’re suffering from a headache, blood vessels tighten which leads to pressure and therefore pain. Coffee helps vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels and this may cause them to relax and reduce the pressure.”