Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that caffeine plays a role in gut health. there was work published in the journal Immunity.
The gut contains many microorganisms, some of which contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, exactly how this happens is not yet known to scientists. To answer this question, the team found that xanthine (a purine metabolite found in high amounts in caffeinated foods) may play a role in Th17 cell differentiation.
Cells called T-helper cells, which contain Th17, form a protective barrier in the gut. When a bacterial or fungal infection occurs, the body produces more Th17 cells. However, they are also involved in the development of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and IBD.
“It’s too early to speculate whether the amount of xanthine in a cup of coffee has beneficial or harmful effects in the human gut, but it’s too early to speculate on triggering a defensive response and a stronger barrier in the gut. Although we don’t know exactly what causes IBD, the team said “The tools we’ve developed here can bring us closer to understanding it and how to treat or prevent the disease.”