A recent study has indicated that drinking moderate amounts of coffee, tea, and red wine may contribute to better mental health, particularly in reducing stress and depressive symptoms. The findings, which explored the association between polyphenol-rich beverages and mental health, focused on perceived stress, depression, and sleep quality among a sample of adults in southern Italy. The findings were published in the journal Antioxidants.
Researchers evaluated data from over 1,500 participants, all part of an observational study known as the Mediterranean Eating, Aging, and Lifestyle (MEAL) study. This population-based study specifically analysed individuals’ intake of polyphenol-rich drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and citrus juice. Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant prevalent in plant-based foods and drinks, are known for their potential benefits on human health, including effects on brain health.
Agnieszka Micek, PhD from Jagiellonian University in Poland, explained the motivation behind the study, stating, “The motivation behind this study was to investigate the potential impact of polyphenol-rich beverages on mental health, specifically targeting stress, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in adults. There is growing interest in how dietary choices influence psychological well-being, especially given the high rates of mental health challenges globally.”
In this study, individuals who reported drinking up to one cup of coffee or tea daily showed a lower likelihood of experiencing high stress levels and depressive symptoms. More specifically, moderate coffee drinkers were found to have a 39% reduced likelihood of feeling stressed compared to those who did not consume coffee. Similarly, tea drinkers showed a reduction in depressive symptoms by 44% when compared to non-drinkers. The results were based on self-reported intake, with controls applied for confounding factors such as diet quality and lifestyle behaviours.
Highlighting the implications, Dr Micek noted, “Our study revealed that moderate intake of coffee, tea, and red wine is associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms and high perceived stress among adults in the Mediterranean area. Specifically, regular coffee and tea drinkers reported fewer depressive symptoms, while red wine was linked to lower stress levels.”
In addition to tea and coffee, red wine also emerged as a beverage associated with better mental health outcomes. Those who reported regular consumption of red wine were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. The study, however, did not find any significant associations between the intake of these beverages and improved sleep quality. Dr Micek emphasised the significance of these findings, stating, “These findings underscore the importance of moderate consumption: a single cup or glass daily appeared optimal for these benefits. Given the rich polyphenolic content, these beverages could play a meaningful role in supporting mental well-being when integrated into a balanced diet.”
The potential mental health benefits of these polyphenol-rich beverages may be partly explained by their impact on gut health. Polyphenols from coffee, tea, and wine have been shown to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn influence neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation. The study adds to growing evidence that diet, particularly the inclusion of specific foods and beverages, plays a role in maintaining mental health.
Reflecting on future research directions, Dr Micek stated, “In the future, we plan to expand our research to further explore the mechanisms through which polyphenols impact mental health, particularly their role in neuroinflammation and the gut-brain axis. Our next steps will focus on longitudinal studies to understand the long-term effects of moderate polyphenol-rich beverage consumption on mental health outcomes.”
Researchers caution that the study’s cross-sectional design does not establish causation but rather highlights associations. They stress that further studies, especially those evaluating the impact of specific polyphenol compounds, are necessary to determine if moderate consumption patterns could be universally recommended for mental health. Dr Micek added that this ongoing research could ultimately support more targeted dietary guidelines for mental health, noting, “Additionally, we aim to identify optimal consumption patterns for different populations. This research could ultimately support more targeted dietary guidelines for mental health, potentially incorporating specific polyphenol-rich foods and beverages as part of broader lifestyle interventions.”
