Effect of Date Seeds Coffee on Mood and Cognitive Performance

Introduction

Seeds of the date palm (P. dactylifera) are a very rich source of bioactive compounds, thus constituting strong candidates for functional food additives and nutraceuticals. Many promising results were observed when the effect of date flesh and seeds consumption have been studied in animals, for their role as either a protective1 against neurodegenerative 2,4,5 diseases, or as a cure for it 2. Most of the observed effects were attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in dates flesh and seeds fruit due to it high content of phenolic compounds 3.

Rational For years, date seeds were considered a waste, having no other uses except for feeding animals. However, as has already been demonstrated in other fruits and corresponding seeds, total phytochemical content of the date seeds was higher than in the edible flesh9. Date seeds have also been shown to have an excellent nutritional quality due to high amounts of fibre (676-742 g/kg) 3 depending on variety, considerable amounts of minerals, vitamins, lipids and protein. Additionally, date seeds were shown to be rich in antioxidants containing mainly phenolic acids (24.6 g k Gallic Acid equivalent) 3 and total flavonoids (3.67 g k Rutin Equivalent).

Nowadays, and on sight of the aforementioned findings, date seeds are used to make a new coffee product. This ''coffee alternative'' is commercially available and is becoming more popular.

Although, many studies have demonstrated that date seeds possess high antioxidant activities, due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, no human trial has investigated the effect of the consumption of date seeds on humans and especially on mood and cognitive behaviour. Therefore, this study, for the first time, to the best of the research team knowledge will investigate the acute effect of date seeds coffee on mood and cognitive function on healthy young volunteers.

Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of a coffee made of date seeds on mood and cognitive performance.

Inclusion criteria

Healthy young volunteers age between 18 to 35

Exclusion criteria

Participants will be ineligible to participate in the study if any of the following apply:

• Have a BMI above 35kg/m2
• Smokers or tobacco product consumers which includes electronic cigarettes
• Are taking any illicit or prescribed drugs.
• Have a history of, or currently, abuse alcohol
• Have a history of dyslexia, ADHD, learning difficulties or colour blindness,
• Females who are pregnant, lactating or seeking to become pregnant, or are at risk of pregnancy as they to do not use birth control measures
• Have allergies to any food product.