From Book News, Inc.
Sixteen chapters provide a stimulating review of the latest scientific information on the beneficial and detrimental neurobiological effects of caffeine, the mild stimulant in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Nehlig (INSERM, the French Medical Research Institute, Strasbourg) notes that current knowledge indicates that moderate consumption of these substances is healthful. Several contributors report evidence for the memory-, mood-, and performance-enhancing attributes of coffee. Others address caffeine dependence (though cravings for chocolate are more psychological than physiological), its potential for neurodevelopmental damage, and complex relationship to headaches and other neurological disorders.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Coffee, tea and chocolate have a number of effects on the nervous system, including memory and cognitive performance, their effect on disease, including Parkinson's, as well as stroke, oxidative stress, headache and sleep disorders, addiction dependence and more. This book analyzes the current research findings on these compounds and their interaction with the brain and central nervous system (CNS). With contributions from world experts in this field, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate and the Brain will be of great interest to all students and researchers of nutrition, psychology, neuroscience, and pharmacology as well as other health related sciences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and the Brain presents new information on the long-debated issue about the beneficial and/or potentially negative effects on the brain of the consumption of coffee, tea, and chocolate." "With caffeine as the common component in these beverages and food, this volume features important data on the effects of caffeine on sleep, memory, cognition, mood, performance, and more. It also includes specific information on new directions of research on the effect of caffeine on Parkinson's disease, seizures, ischemia, the stress axis, and brain development. Debate on the potential addiction to caffeine is included, as well as discussion of how chocolate and caffeine can induce or alleviate various types of headaches." With contributions from world-renowned experts in the field, this up-to-date reference presents important information for scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and students involved in nutrition, neurology, neuropharmacology, clinical psychology, and other health-related sciences.

SYNOPSIS