Moderate coffee could aid gut health and protect against certain cancers, reviews reveal

21 Jan 2022 --- Coffee may have a number of protective effects against gallstones and certain liver diseases, while stimulating digestive processes, according to a scientific review. The beverage may also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, according to separate analysis.

In a review of 194 research applications funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, moderate coffee consumption (three to five cups per day) appears to be associated with a reduced risk of gallstones and pancreatitis.

“The review has shone a light on the still limited amount of research on some aspects of digestion,” study conductor Astrid Nehlig, emeritus research director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, tells NutritionInsight.

“Contrary to some assumptions, coffee consumption is not overall linked to bowel or digestive problems. In some instances, coffee has a protective effect against common digestive complaints such as constipation.”Gut microbiota are important for a number of health processes. 

Coffee impacting microbiota
As coffee goes through the gastrointestinal tract, it appears to have three main impacts, the review notes. 

Firstly, the beverage stimulates the production of the digestive hormone gastrin and hydrochloric acid. Both of these help break down food in the stomach. Coffee also stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that increases the production of bile which is involved in digestion, the researchers say. 

Secondly, consumption was also found to induce changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, mainly at the population level of bifidobacteria.

“This research topic is still recent, quite incomplete and generates large interest. In fact, a ‘healthy’ microbiome still needs to be defined. The data summarized in this review could help serve as a basis for future research on the topic.”

“It can explain to the consumer that drinking coffee is positive for the composition of gut microbiota, which is pivotal in a large number of health processes,” Nehlig adds.

Tackling colon issues
Lastly, the data reviewed suggests that coffee may stimulate motility in the colon as much as cereals, 23% more than decaffeinated coffee or 60% more than a glass of water and it may be linked to a reduced risk of chronic constipation.

“All research articles and reviews reporting that the replacement of water with coffee, as soon as the patients can drink, has only positive effects and improves all outcomes concerning the functioning of the colon and the length of hospitalization.”

“These studies, better than any other research, demonstrate that drinking coffee positively affects the gastrointestinal tract and clearly colon function.”Caffeinated coffee may offer more benefits than decaffeinated against endometrial cancer. 

Beyond the gut
The findings published in Nutrients also suggest that coffee has protective effects against liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The researchers note the beverage may have a possible protective effect against gallstones. 

A separate review highlights that higher coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of endometrial cancer. Individuals in the highest category of coffee intake had a 29% lower relative risk of developing endometrial cancer than those in the lowest category.

Caffeinated coffee was highlighted as potentially offering better protection than decaffeinated coffee, according to the findings, published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. Researchers reviewed 24 studies on coffee intake with 9,833 new cases of endometrial cancer occurring in 699,234 individuals. 

Studies have historically shown conflicting results on whether coffee can aid or harm health. A Chinese study revealed coffee could be linked to lowering stroke risks by 32%, however experts noted too much could increase the risk of a stroke. A study carried out in Australia highlighted that two cups of coffee a day could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

By Andria Kades