# Bolivian Yungas Coffee (Coffea arabica 'Bolivian Yungas')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/bolivian-yungas-coffee
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Coffee Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Yungas Arabica, Bolivian Organic Arabica, Yungas Region Coffee, Bolivian Highland Coffee, Coffea arabica Bolivian Yungas variant

## Overview

Bolivian Yungas Coffee (Coffea arabica 'Bolivian Yungas') is a specialty arabica cultivar grown in Bolivia's Yungas region, containing approximately 1.3–1.4% caffeine as its primary bioactive compound. Caffeine exerts its effects chiefly by antagonizing adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the central nervous system, promoting alertness and reducing perceived fatigue.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical health benefits documented - no human trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Bolivian Yungas Coffee were identified in the research
• General C. arabica composition suggests caffeine content (1.3-1.4%) may support alertness, though no Yungas-specific evidence exists
• Rich in carbohydrates (22-24%) and proteins (12-13%) based on general C. arabica data, but no health outcomes studied
• Contains lipids (6-11%) including linoleic and palmitic acids, though biomedical effects not established for this cultivar
• Low heavy metal and mycotoxin levels in related C. arabica products suggest safety profile, but no therapeutic benefits proven

## Mechanism of Action

Caffeine, the principal bioactive in Bolivian Yungas Coffee, competitively antagonizes adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, preventing the accumulation of sleep-promoting adenosine and elevating [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic and noradrenergic signaling. Chlorogenic acids present in arabica cultivars inhibit glucose-6-phosphatase and modulate the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway, potentially supporting glycemic regulation and reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Diterpenes such as cafestol and kahweol interact with pregnane X receptor (PXR) and may influence bile acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and hepatic enzyme activity.

## Clinical Summary

No clinical trials, randomized controlled studies, or meta-analyses specific to Bolivian Yungas Coffee have been identified in the published literature. Evidence for its physiological effects must be extrapolated from broader Coffea arabica research, where caffeine doses of 3–6 mg/kg body weight have demonstrated improvements in reaction time, vigilance, and endurance performance in human trials. Chlorogenic acid research in general arabica coffee suggests modest reductions in fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (approximately 0.5–1.0 mmol/L) at intakes of 400–800 mg/day, based on pooled data from multiple RCTs. The absence of cultivar-specific data means efficacy and optimal dosing for Bolivian Yungas Coffee remain scientifically unestablished.

## Nutritional Profile

Based on general Coffea arabica green bean composition (no Yungas-specific analytical data available): **Macronutrients (per 100g green beans):** Carbohydrates 50-55g (including sucrose 6-9g, polysaccharides 40-45g), Proteins 11-13g, Lipids 12-18g (predominantly linoleic acid ~44% and palmitic acid ~34% of total fatty acids), Dietary fiber 25-33g (galactomannans and arabinogalactans). **Bioactive compounds:** Caffeine 1.0-1.4g/100g (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) 6-8g/100g (predominantly 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and 4-caffeoylquinic acid), Trigonelline 0.6-1.2g/100g, Kahweol 0.1-0.6g/100g, Cafestol 0.3-0.7g/100g (both diterpene esters found in the lipid fraction). **Minerals:** Potassium 1500-1800mg/100g, Magnesium 150-200mg/100g, Phosphorus 150-200mg/100g, Calcium 80-130mg/100g, Iron 3-10mg/100g, Zinc 3-5mg/100g, Manganese 2-4mg/100g. **Vitamins:** Niacin (B3) 15-20mg/100g (partially liberated from trigonelline during roasting), traces of riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), and tocopherols (vitamin E, ~10-20mg/100g in lipid fraction). **Roasted bean/brewed coffee notes:** Roasting degrades 50-70% of CGAs and ~50-80% of trigonelline while generating melanoidins (25% of roasted bean dry weight) with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties; a standard brewed cup (~240mL) typically delivers 80-120mg caffeine, 70-200mg CGAs, 20-80mg potassium, and trace minerals. **Bioavailability notes:** Chlorogenic acids are ~33% absorbed in the small intestine with the remainder metabolized by colonic microbiota to hippuric, ferulic, and dihydrocaffeic acids; caffeine is nearly 100% bioavailable with rapid absorption (Tmax ~30-60 min); diterpenes (cafestol/kahweol) are largely removed by paper filtration but present in unfiltered preparations (French press, espresso); mineral bioavailability may be reduced by CGA chelation of iron and zinc. Yungas-region cultivation (1200-1800m altitude, humid subtropical cloud forest) may influence CGA and sucrose concentrations due to slower cherry maturation at altitude, but no cultivar-specific compositional analyses have been published.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Bolivian Yungas Coffee in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparations), as no human trials were conducted. General C. arabica green beans contain 1.32-1.42% caffeine, but no standardization protocols or therapeutic dosing guidelines exist for this cultivar. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Caffeine intakes exceeding 400 mg/day (roughly 4–5 standard cups) are associated with [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), tachycardia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress in healthy adults, per European Food Safety Authority guidance. Caffeine inhibits CYP1A2 [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and can potentiate the effects of stimulant medications, increase theophylline plasma levels, and reduce the efficacy of adenosine-based antiarrhythmics. Pregnant individuals are advised to limit caffeine to under 200 mg/day, as higher intakes are associated with increased risk of low birth weight and miscarriage. Individuals with hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety disorders, or gastroesophageal reflux disease should consult a healthcare provider before regular consumption.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specific to Bolivian Yungas Coffee (C. arabica 'Bolivian Yungas') were identified in the search results. The available research focuses solely on agronomic characteristics, chemical composition of general C. arabica, and safety assessments of related coffee products like cascara, with no PMIDs or clinical outcomes reported for this specific cultivar.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Bolivian Yungas Coffee lacks documented historical use in traditional medicine systems according to the research results. It is primarily recognized as a modern specialty crop from Bolivia's Yungas region, with production focused on commercial organic and fair trade markets rather than medicinal applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of clinical research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Bolivian Yungas Coffee and how does it differ from regular arabica?

Bolivian Yungas Coffee is a Coffea arabica cultivar grown in Bolivia's subtropical Yungas valleys at elevations of 1,000–2,000 meters, conditions that typically produce beans with nuanced flavor profiles and standard arabica caffeine content of 1.3–1.4%. While terroir and altitude can influence chlorogenic acid and sucrose concentrations relative to other arabica origins, no peer-reviewed comparative phytochemical analyses specific to this cultivar have been published.

### How much caffeine is in Bolivian Yungas Coffee?

As a Coffea arabica variety, Bolivian Yungas Coffee is expected to contain approximately 1.3–1.4% caffeine by dry bean weight, which translates to roughly 80–120 mg of caffeine per 8 oz brewed cup depending on grind size, brew method, and water temperature. This caffeine content is consistent with other high-altitude arabica coffees and is roughly half that of Coffea canephora (robusta) varieties.

### Are there any proven health benefits of drinking Bolivian Yungas Coffee?

No clinical studies have investigated Bolivian Yungas Coffee specifically, so no health benefits can be attributed to this cultivar with scientific certainty. However, its caffeine content is supported by extensive arabica research demonstrating improvements in alertness, cognitive function, and aerobic endurance, and its chlorogenic acids may contribute to antioxidant activity via Nrf2 pathway activation, though cultivar-specific evidence is lacking.

### Can Bolivian Yungas Coffee interact with medications?

The caffeine in Bolivian Yungas Coffee is metabolized by hepatic CYP1A2 and can interact with several drug classes: it may increase plasma concentrations of clozapine and theophylline, reduce the sedative effect of benzodiazepines, and antagonize adenosine used therapeutically for arrhythmia management. Concurrent use with stimulants, ephedrine-containing supplements, or MAO inhibitors may amplify cardiovascular side effects, and patients on any of these medications should seek medical advice.

### Is Bolivian Yungas Coffee safe during pregnancy?

Regulatory bodies including the World Health Organization and the UK NHS recommend limiting total caffeine intake to 200 mg per day during pregnancy, as higher consumption is associated with increased risk of fetal growth restriction and spontaneous miscarriage in observational cohort studies. A standard serving of Bolivian Yungas Coffee would contribute approximately 80–120 mg of caffeine, meaning pregnant individuals should carefully track total daily intake from all caffeine sources including tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.

### How is Bolivian Yungas Coffee grown and what makes its growing conditions unique?

Bolivian Yungas Coffee is cultivated in the Yungas region of Bolivia, a high-altitude cloud forest zone (approximately 1,500–2,500 meters) known for misty, humid conditions and rich volcanic soils. These specific growing conditions produce beans with distinctive flavor characteristics, including fruity and floral notes, though the altitude and microclimate do not necessarily increase nutrient density compared to arabica grown in other regions.

### What is the typical caffeine content per cup of Bolivian Yungas Coffee compared to other arabica varieties?

Bolivian Yungas Coffee contains approximately 1.3–1.4% caffeine by weight, which is consistent with standard arabica varieties and typically results in 95–200 mg of caffeine per 8–12 oz cup depending on brewing method and strength. This caffeine content is lower than robusta coffee but comparable to other premium arabica cultivars from different origins.

### Does roasting level affect the nutritional composition or caffeine content of Bolivian Yungas Coffee?

Roasting level has minimal impact on caffeine content in coffee, as caffeine is heat-stable and largely survives the roasting process; lighter roasts may retain slightly more caffeine than darker roasts due to lower weight loss during roasting. However, roasting can affect the bioavailability and concentration of other compounds like chlorogenic acid and polyphenols, though no Yungas-specific research has quantified these changes.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*