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Is coffee good for digestive health? Well, this study surely claims so

Who knew that our cosy cup of coffee is actually beneficial for our gut health and digestion? Research suggests that it reduces our risk of gallstone disease.
Coffee is literally the yummy in our tummy! Image Courtesy: Shutterstuck
Team Health Shots Published: 30 May 2020, 12:42 pm IST
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While a simmering cup of coffee might often satisfy your heart, it is rarely seen as a gut-friendly beverage. Well, some researchers don’t think so. A recent study suggests that coffee might help reduce the risk of digestive disorders like gallstones and pancreatitis.

In a study by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), researchers identified the beneficial impact of drinking coffee on digestion and noted that it can help support the gut microflora and promotes gut health.

The impact of  drinking coffee on gut health
What is gallstone disease? Gallstone is a common digestive disorder that is caused by the accumulation of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct. It impacts about 10 to 15% of the adult population.

 Although the mechanism by which coffee can protect us from the risk of gallstone disease is still unknown, the study found that with daily consumption of coffee, the risk for the condition declines. Interestingly, both caffeine and decaffeinated coffee play the same role in these associations according to the study.

Who knew coffee actually increases healthy gut bacteria! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Many recent studies suggest that regularly consuming coffee increases the population of the beneficial gut bacteria Bifidobacterium spp. They explained that the dietary fibre and polyphenols found in coffee actually help support the healthy growth of microflora populations.

Also, Read: Take these 5 steps to take care of your gut health this summer

How does coffee impact other parts of our body?
The research found that drinking coffee helps stimulate digestion by encouraging the release of gastric acid, bile and pancreatic secretions.

A study author at the University of Milan, Carlo La Vecchia stated: “Data indicates benefits against common digestive complaints such as constipation, as well as a potential reduction in the risk of more serious conditions like chronic liver diseases.”

Additional research also found that regular coffee consumption actually stimulates digestion by encouraging the release of gastric acid, bile and pancreatic secretions.

Does regularly drinking coffee cause heartburn?
A common subject of discussion among consumers and researchers is if coffee has been associated with causing heartburn or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

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Most studies decline the possibility of coffee causing heartburn. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Although some studies have suggested the impact of drinking coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, most studies have reviewed and found that coffee isn’t the main trigger for causing heartburn.

The takeaway?
Sipping on a hot cuppa shall make your heart sing and your healthy gut flora blooming. Although it does have a healthy impact on your digestion and the risk of gallstones, we must still practice restraint while consuming this delicacy because an excess of anything, including coffee, is bad.  

(With inputs from IANS)

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