A new study suggests coffee may influence mood and brain function by altering the activity of gut microbes, revealing a possible gut-brain link behind its psychological effects. Both caffeinated and decaf coffee were associated with lower stress, depression and impulsivity, alongside measurable changes in gut bacteria and metabolites. Interestingly, the two types diverged in their specific benefits, with decaf linked to better learning and memory, while caffeinated coffee appeared to reduce anxiety and sharpen attention, suggesting coffee’s effects on the brain may run through more pathways than caffeine alone.
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