The Coffee Plot Twist

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can alter the gut microbiome and influence mood, stress, and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis. Research shows that coffee consumption leads to distinct shifts in gut bacteria and metabolic profiles, which help support intestinal health and reduce perceived stress. While caffeinated coffee improves vigilance and attention, decaffeinated coffee uniquely enhances learning and memory, demonstrating that coffee's health impact involves complex compounds beyond caffeine alone.