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An NHS doctor has urged people to try one drink to help with better digestion. Taking to TikTok, Dr Karan Raj, aka @dr.karanr , reacted to a video of Gino D'Acampo, the Italian celebrity chef, advising people to avoid drinks like cappuccinos and drink an espresso instead . And there could be something behind this. The GP said: "If you want better digestion after meals, this could help. An espresso is a perfect post-meal digestive aid because it’s low volume and a concentrated amount of coffee with no milk." The doctor continued: "The caffeine bitter compounds stimulate stomach acid secretion and stimulates the vagus nerve, which increases gut motility. These two things can kick-start your digestive factory . "Also, the low volume of an espresso means it doesn’t stretch your stomach or delay gastric emptying." You may however want to avoid the likes of a cappuccino. Dr Raj said the drink is "large and has milk" He explained: "Milk is nutrient-dense and has fat, protein and lactose, which stimulates the release of hormones like cholecystokinin and secretin." "This actually slows down how quickly your stomach empties so you feel fulller. Plus the casein protein and lactose from the milk need even more digestion, leading to even greater post-meal, heaviness and possibly bloating, especially if you lactose sensitive." Usually, an espresso measures around 30-40ml and is often taken for a boost of energy. Meaning if you're suffering with bloating, a quick espresso could be the answer. But don't worry if you're not a coffee drinker - there are other options. "If you’re a coffee drinker and still want the digestive benefits, you could opt for peppermint tea", the health expert suggested. He concluded: "The menthol in this can help relax the muscles of the intestine and improve gut motility. Or you could go for the tried and tested fart walk." Did you know that you could also lower your risk of Alzheimer's Disease by drinking the espresso? A 2023 study published n the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that compounds in espresso may help combat the rise of Alzheimer’s disease. "These researchers, based out of the University of Verona, found that the compounds present in espresso coffee could help inhibit a protein key to Alzheimer’s development. In fact, the benefits don't end there. Research suggests that coffee could help extend longevity. For example, one review of 40 studies found that people who consumed two to four cups of coffee daily had a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight status, and alcohol consumption. Similarly, another study which involved 1,567 people found that drinking caffeinated coffee was linked to a lower risk of death after 12 and 18 years of follow-up. In addition, drinking at least one cup of coffee per day was also associated with a lower risk of death from cancer. So will you be drinking more coffee and perhaps an espresso after a meal? Let us know in the comments.
