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New research is out about coffee. And it's good news. Thank goodness. A 2026 study  from University College Cork examined coffee and its relationship with the gut and the brain. Researchers found that drinking coffee was associated with changes in gut bacteria, microbial metabolites, mood, stress, and cognitive function. By analyzing stool and urine samples of participants, researchers could examine what happened to the participants' gut microbiome and metabolism when coffee was removed - and what happened when it was introduced again. After coffee was reintroduced, participants showed lower perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity, and these findings were seen with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. But one of the most intriguing findings was that caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appeared to affect participants differently. Caffeinated coffee was associated with less anxiety and psychological distress, along with improved attention and vigilance. Deca...