Can Coffee and Wine Mean a Healthy Gut?

Food and medications affect and improve the good makeup of bacteria in people’s tummies. This includes coffee and wine but it is definitely best to stay away from all sodas. Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter, indicates that two new studies suggest that the food and medicines that you take can alter your gut bacteria in ways that either help or harm your health. Dr. Jingyuan Fu, senior author of one of the studies says fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, wine, yogurt and buttermilk can increase the diversity of bacteria in a person’s intestines. In turn that diversity in gut bacteria is beneficial. Foods containing loads of simple carbohydrates appear to reduce bacterial diversity in the gut. Medicines can also play a part in the makeup of gut bacteria. Dr. David Johnson, chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Viginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. says intestines contain trillions of microorganisms, referred to as the “gut microbiome”. Johnson explained that it’s the largest immune system in the body. He further explains that poor sleep, obesity, diabetes and use of artificial sweeteners can also interfere with gut bacteria.

Can Coffee and Wine Mean a Healthy Gut? Image

There are 13 proven health benefits of coffee. Coffee is actually very healthy for you as it is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. Coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases.

  1. Coffee can improve energy levels and make you smarter because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, which is actually the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Coffee is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels into the brain. This blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. Norepinephrine and dopamine actually increase enhanced firing of neurons.
  2. Coffee can help you burn fat and did you know caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat burning supplement?
  3. Physical performance can also be drastically improved by caffeine. It stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat and release them into the blood as free fatty acids to make them available as fuel.
  4. There are essential nutrients in coffee. Many of the nutrients in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink. If you drink 3-4 cups a day, these amounts add up quickly.
  5. Coffee may lower your risk of type II Diabetes. Those who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease.
  6. Coffee may protect you from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Exercising and eating healthy will help protect you but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well.
  7. Caffeine may lower the risk of Parkinson’s. Coffee drinkers have up to a 60% lower risk of getting Parkinson’s disease.
  8. Coffee appears to have protective effect on the liver. Coffee may protect against cirrhosis as those who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk.
  9. Coffee can fight depression and make you happier. And who wouldn’t be happier if they could have that morning coffee? About 4.1% of people in the US meet the criteria for clinical depression. Drinking coffee can lower this by 20%.
  10. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of some types of cancer. It appears to protect against liver and colorectal cancer.
  11. Coffee does NOT cause heart disease and may lower the risk of stroke. Studies do not support the myth that coffee raises the risk of heart disease.
  12. Coffee is the biggest source of antioxidants in the Western diet. Coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet and in fact, the healthiest beverage on the planet. Isn’t that great that we don’t have to give up that “morning” cup of coffee that wakes us up and gets us going?

Remember however, too much of a good thing can be bad. One cup of coffee in the morning should be the limit. Oh, I also need to say that its best to leave out the cream and sugar. Sorry. Try using stevia for sweetness. Also, try putting some coconut oil in your coffee. This gives it a slightly creamy feel and has loads of benefit. And if you’re feeling a little spicy, try some cinnamon in your coffee. Have fun trying to see how you can make a new and different cup of Joe.

Dr Fredda Branyon