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)

Core nutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Energy	2 kcal	—
Protein	0.3 g	—
Carbohydrates	0.2 g	—

Bioactive compounds

Explicitly identified compounds, including individual fatty acids, with a defensible quantity or an explicit qualitative status. Asterisks (*) identify supplementary sources below. Unquantified or trace constituents are not automatically admitted to the Substances list.

Compound / class	Amount per 100 g	Notes
Polyphenols	Present — quantity not established *	—

Source notes (supplementary):

• * 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).

Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Beverages, coffee, brewed, breakfast blend, FDC ID 171881, SR Legacy bulk (April 2018), per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-08-15

Substances

Substances admitted through a supported nutrition-table row. Not every table row appears here. Cards are not BRS mappings.

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