Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and the Brain

Nehlig\, Astrid

“… question the positive and negative effects on the brain (and on health in general) of the consumption of three methylxanthine-containing substances: either coffee, tea and – to a lesser degree – chocolate. … will be an important addendum for basic and clinical scientists, since most results on these problems and issues can usually be found only in academic journals and not often in books. The other positive point here is the presence of a detailed index. Apart from doctors and chemists, I also believe that many nutritionists, neurologists and perhaps most coffee drinkers could enjoy most of that reading; in fact, although it is an academic publication with graphs and tables, one will find many elements in every chapter that can be understood without a specialization in chemistry or in neuropharmacology.” — Yves Laberge, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada, in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Vol. 33, No. 3, February 2007

• Mechanisms of Action of Caffeine on the Nervous System. Effects of Caffeine on Sleep and Wakefulness: An Update. Arousal and Behavior: Biopsychological Effects of Caffeine. Coffee, Caffeine and Cognitive Performance Effects of Coffee and Caffeine on Mood and Mood Disorders. Age-related Changes in the Effects of Coffee on Memory and Cognitive Performance. Neurodevelopmental Consequences of Coffee/Caffeine Exposure. Caffeine Effects on the Human Stress Axis. Dependence Upon Coffee and Caffeine: An Update. Caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease. Caffeine in Ischemia and Seizures: Paradoxical Effects of Long-term Exposure. Caffeine and Headache: Relationship with the Effects of Caffeine on Cerebral Blood Flow. Effects of Non-caffeine Constituents in Roasted Coffee on the Brain. Can Tea Consumption Protect Against Stroke? The Biology and Psychology of Chocolate Craving. Is There a Relationship between Chocolate Consumption and Headache?