In your stomach as in life, diversity is a good thing. Microbial diversity.

According to a study published in the journal Science, coffee is one of 60 dietary factors (126 in total) that affect the body’s microbial diversity; wine and tea also have positive effects, which is great news. Sugary drinks, whole milk, and eating lots of carbs also affect microbial diversity, but unfortunately in a negative way.

advert but first coffee cookbook now available

 

And while the idea of things that aren’t me living inside of me gives me the heebie-jeebies, turns out it’s a good thing. The bacteria, fungi, and viruses comprising a person’s microbiome aid in the processing of food and in regulating the immune system. The Seattle Times also notes that the microbiome can be a factor in mood disorders, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and other diseases. Basically, you need these little microscopic creepy-crawlies to take some of the stress of keeping you alive and healthy off of your body. They’re your bowels’ back bar.

Studying microbial diversity is a fairly new field so there is no real established definition for what a “healthy gut” should look like (other than sweet abs, of course). But this study shows a correlation between microbial diversity and health, and coffee promotes diversity, which is good enough for me.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network.

New Rules of Coffee banner advertising an illustrated guide to the essential rules for enjoying coffee