Coffee may have yet another health benefit: supporting the gut microbiome.

In a large study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers found that coffee drinkers have an abundance of a specific gut bacterium called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus.

Even decaffeinated coffee consumption is associated with higher levels of L. asaccharolyticus in the gut microbiome.In a separate lab test, the researchers also confirmed that coffee can stimulate the growth of this particular species.

L. asaccharolyticus was first discovered in 2018, but scientists still don’t know much about this bug.

The bacterium is associated with higher levels of quinic acid, which has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Is Coffee Good For Your Gut?

Coffee contains polyphenols, plant compounds that contribute to the drink’s health benefits. Some evidence suggests that polyphenols help protect against certain types of cancer. One of the polyphenols in coffee, chlorogenic acid, is broken down by gut bacteria into quinic acid, providing antioxidant benefits.

Research indicates that coffee supports a diverse gut microbiome. Polyphenols in coffee have a prebiotic effect, meaning they promote the growth of good gut bacteria. These bacteria play a key role in maintaining the immune system and aiding digestion.

“Having a more diverse gut microbiome—a wider variety of bacterial species overall—is associated with good gut health, good health generally, and some anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest longevity may be associated with it as well,” said David M. Poppers, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and director of GI quality and strategic initiatives in the division of gastroenterology at NYU Langone Health.

Coffee may offer some gut health benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand its impact on the gut microbiome.

“It doesn’t mean we should forget about other foods that are important for healthy guts, such as fermented foods: kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, yogurts, kombucha. It’s potentially part of an armamentarium to support gut health, so not in isolation,” Poppers said.

Does This Explain Why Coffee Makes You Poop?

People often have bowel movements after drinking coffee. Caffeine has a laxative effect, which partially explains this phenomenon, but decaffeinated coffee can also lead to a bathroom visit.

Having a diverse gut microbiome promotes bowel regularity and coffee’s polyphenols and quinic acid support gut motility, the movement of food through the digestive system, according to Poppers.

While coffee has many health benefits, including promoting bowel regularity, that doesn’t mean you should drink an excessive amount each day.  For many people, it is safe to consume 400 mg of caffeine daily. Having too much caffeine can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, or headaches.

“In moderation, it can help with gut regularity and energy levels, certainly in the morning. Gut health itself is associated with improved inflammatory markers and inflammation as well as clear thinking,” Poppers said.

Can You Get Similar Benefits From Other Foods?

Coffee has many health benefits, but it’s not a magic bullet. There are plenty of other nutritious options to try if you don’t enjoy the taste of coffee.

“Polyphenol compounds abundant in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, can be found in other fruits and vegetables,” Diana Roopchand, PhD, an associate professor in the department of food science at Rutgers University, told Verywell in an email.

Tea, zucchini, broccoli, okra, and eggplant also contain some chlorogenic acids. Adding these foods to your diet might expose you to some of the antioxidant properties found in coffee.

A recent study also found that Aronia berries, or black chokeberries, contributed to an increase in L. asaccharolyticus.

“This is great because people that choose to not consume coffee can consume other plant foods for similar benefits,” Roopchand added.