A group of researchers in Europe have stumbled upon a chemical compound occurring in some types of coffee that can actually inhibit acid build up in the stomach.

"The major import of our work is that it provides scientific evidence that you can produce a more stomach-friendly coffee," said the author of the study, Veronika Somoza. Somoza believes that by varying the processing techniques, producers can develop blends that will be less likely to cause heart burn.

The study was identifying those compounds that exacerbate the production of stomach acid, when it found that one, known as N-methylpyridinium, works to inhibit acid. The chemical is a product of the roasting process and is more commonly found in dark roasts such as espresso and French roast blends.