The Optimist Daily · Health

Decaf Coffee's Memory Boost May Not Be Caffeine, Study Suggests

A small experiment indicates that the memory-enhancing effects of coffee might be due to compounds other than caffeine, potentially polyphenols interacting with gut microbes.

Researchers found that participants who drank decaffeinated coffee showed significant improvements in memory tests, while those who drank caffeinated coffee did not. The study involved 31 regular coffee drinkers who abstained from coffee for two weeks, leading to changes in their gut microbes.

Following the abstinence period, participants were given either decaffeinated or caffeinated instant coffee. Both groups reported reduced stress, depression, and impulsivity. The caffeinated group experienced reduced anxiety and improved attention, as expected.

However, only the decaf group demonstrated significant improvements in word learning and spatial location recall memory tests. This suggests that caffeine may not be the primary driver of all of coffee's cognitive effects.

The study hypothesizes that polyphenols in coffee, which are known to interact with gut microbes, could be responsible for the memory benefits observed in the decaf group. These polyphenols may alter the gut microbiome, which in turn influences brain function via the gut-brain axis and vagus nerve.

Lead researcher John Cryan noted that coffee is a complex dietary factor influencing gut microbes, metabolism, and emotional well-being, with both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions potentially offering distinct health benefits.

Limitations of the study include its small sample size (31 participants) and the use of instant coffee, which may not represent the polyphenol profile of other brewing methods. The study suggests an association rather than a confirmed causal mechanism.

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