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Coffee

Coffee

Overview​

Coffee provides caffeine, a adenosine-receptor antagonist that increases striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and acute alertness [1]. Coffee polyphenols contribute to dietary flavonoid intake [2].

Within the BRAIN Diet framework, coffee is a polyphenol beverage used morning-to-midday; caffeine timing affects sleep — stop ~8 hours before bed if sensitive [1]. Avoid taking with iron-rich plant meals if optimising non-heme iron absorption.

Key Nutritional Highlights​

  • Caffeine modulates dopamine receptor availability and alertness [1].
  • Chlorogenic-acid polyphenols add flavonoid intake [2].
  • Timing matters for sleep; individual caffeine metabolism varies.
  • Unsweetened brews only; polyphenol–iron absorption competition with meals.

Food Context​

Preparation​

  • Stop 8+ hours before bed (variable half-life)
  • Can stimulate dopamine but may cause fatigue rebound
  • Space ≥1 hour from iron-rich meals or add lemon
  • Strategic, sparing use may be most effective for ADHD

Recipes​

no recipes found

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Selected food and preparation: Beverages, coffee, brewed, breakfast blend. per 100 g edible portion.

Core nutrients

NutrientAmount per 100 g% reference intake per 100 g
Energy2 kcal—
Protein0.3 g—
Carbohydrates0.2 g—

Bioactive compounds

Compound / classAmount per 100 gNotes
PolyphenolsPresent — quantity not established—
Sources and limitations
  • Polyphenols: Coffee is a dietary source of chlorogenic acids and related polyphenols; USDA SR Legacy does not report total polyphenols for brewed coffee.
Technical provenance
Source note 1

Polyphenols: Coffee is a dietary source of chlorogenic acids and related polyphenols; USDA SR Legacy does not report total polyphenols for brewed coffee.

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).
Composition source: USDA FoodData Central, Beverages, coffee, brewed, breakfast blend, FDC ID 171881, per 100 g edible portion

Substances​

1 substance in this food
Polyphenols

References​

[1] Caffeine modulates dopamine receptor availability and alertness. Volkow & Wang 2015. Caffeine increases striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in the human brain

[2] Chlorogenic-acid polyphenols add flavonoid intake. Neshatdoust & Saunders 2016. High-flavonoid intake induces cognitive improvements linked to changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Two randomised, controlled trials