Coffee helps digestion: it contains more beneficial bacteria and more active motor skills.
To find out, healthy volunteers swallowed "smart capsules", which move through the body, measuring in real time temperature, acidity (pH) and the frequency of contractions of the digestive system. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen divided the participants into two groups: those who drink coffee often (1 to 5 cups a day) and those who drink it rarely.
Here's what we found out:
After a cup of coffee, intestinal motility became more active. It keeps the intestinal muscles toned and helps the digestive system work like clockwork.
Coffee lovers had a lower pH level in the small intestine. This affects how food is broken down and how the digestive enzymes work efficiently.
At the same time, the composition of the bacteria in the intestines of those who drink coffee regularly was much more diverse.
What does this mean for your health?
For people prone to constipation, drinking coffee in moderation can help loosen the bowels. Coffee can also benefit the entire digestive process, especially in combination with water, exercise and a diet rich in fiber.