What Are Green Coffee Beans? How Do They Work?
These are the natural unroasted coffee beans extracted from coffee plants, unlike those you usually find in the market. The coffee cherries undergo the process of coffee farming, coffee harvesting and then coffee processing to be one of the finest coffee. The most important component of coffee beans is chlorogenic acid – which is usually removed in the coffee roasting (1). What Are Its Benefits? Aids weight loss, boosts energy, enhances the mood, and helps manage diabetes. Who Can Use It? All except those who are pregnant or lactating. How Often? A cup of coffee a day. Caution May lead to high homocysteine levels and increase the risk of forming blood clots, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues.
Green organic coffee beans contain the maximum (the most of it, at least) chlorogenic acid content. Studies state the anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenici A substance that suppresses the growth of cancer or negates the effects of a carcinogen. They are used to eliminate or stop the growth of cancer cells specifically. properties of chlorogenic acid (2). Thanks to these properties there are countless green coffee benefits that can greatly improve your health. So let’s check them out in detail below!
How Can Green Coffee Beans Benefit Your Health?
1. Can Help You With Weight Loss
Studies show that green coffee bean extract (GCBE) can help fight obesity by lowering the accumulation of body fat (3). In obese mice that were fed a high-fat diet, the green coffee bean extract had significantly lowered body weight gain. Another study quoted the possibility of using GCE as a weight loss supplement as promising. Though more research is needed to label GCE as a powerful weight loss tool, this is an encouraging step (4). Prachi, a YouTuber, shared her experience of consuming green coffee beans for weight loss. She explains, “I personally have it three times a day, 30 minutes before a meal, and right after having the green bean, I go for a little walk… The idea is that right after you have green coffee, get your body in motion a little bit and then sit down and eat. That way, in these short bursts of activity, especially right after having green coffee, you actually end up burning a lot of energy (i).” She adds how these beans also help suppress hunger pangs so that you don’t snack unnecessarily.
2. Can Aid Diabetes Treatment
The chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans was found to affect blood glucose levels. In the study, participants who received a high dose of GCE (400 mg) saw the biggest drop in blood glucose levels (5). Daily intake of three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee with high chlorogenic acid content was found to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30% (6). Chlorogenic acid also stimulates insulin secretion and has been often described as a potential anti-diabetic agent.
3. Regulate Blood Pressure
Intake of GCE in hypertensive rats showed a reduction in their blood pressure levels (7). Similar results were observed in humans too – where blood pressure levels in the human participants reduced during the ingestion period of GCE (8). Chlorogenic acid inhibits the formation of active cortisol, which is a hormone known to increase blood pressure levels (9). Consumption of green coffee also improves arterial elasticity, thereby lowering blood pressure levels.
4. Offer Anti-Aging Benefits
Green coffee beans are replete with antioxidants and offer excellent anti-aging effects. The chlorogenic acid in the seeds was found to improve skin properties and microcirculatory function in humans. Ingestion of the beans decreased skin dryness and transepidermal water loss and improved skin surface pH levels. Consuming chlorogenic acid for eight weeks also improved skin hydration (10). These are the most important benefits of green coffee beans. There are a few other benefits – although they have insufficient medical backing. Hence, we suggest you speak to your doctor before using green coffee beans for the below-mentioned benefits.
5. May Help Boost Focus And Mood
Green coffee beans do contain some caffeine. Sources suggest that caffeine, in general, can improve mental health by boosting mood, attention, memory, and alertness (11). We don’t have research stating that the caffeine in green coffee beans may have similar effects as the content is relatively low compared to regular coffee. Also, certain individuals may react differently to caffeine. If you have had issues with caffeine before, please consult your doctor before using green coffee beans. There is one study that shows that green coffee bean extract can have neuroprotective effects on patients with Alzheimer’s disease (12). However, more research is needed in this regard.
6. May Enhance Energy Levels
This again has got to do with the little caffeine in green coffee beans. Caffeine is found to boost energy levels and even enhance athletic performance (13). But we don’t know yet how effective green coffee beans can be in boosting your energy levels. These are the important reasons you must include green coffee beans in your routine. But wait – how do you do that?
How To Make Green Coffee
Preparing green coffee is quite simple. Use green coffee beans (instead of powder) for best results.
If you are using green coffee beans, do check the packaging for the caffeine content. Keep the dosage in mind as some coffee traders (coffee exporters and coffee importers) can manipulate you while selling. Keep reading to learn more about the recommended dosage of green coffee beans.
Recommended Dosage Of Green Coffee Beans
The usual dosage of green coffee bean extract supplements ranges from 200 to 400 milligrams, taken two to three times a day, preferably before meals. However, one must read the labels and follow the stated instructions. Recommended dosages can vary between products. Beginners can start at the lower end of the recommended dosage to assess their tolerance, as exceeding the recommended dose can cause digestive issues. Moreover, those with an underlying health condition or those taking any regulated medications must consult their healthcare professional before adding green coffee bean supplements or the coffee into their routine. So, are we done? Well, not yet. Although these fair trade coffee beans are a healthier option than Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee, you need to keep certain things in mind.
What Are The Side Effects Of Green Coffee Beans?
Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
There is not enough reliable information available in this regard. Hence, stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Abnormally High Homocysteine Levels
Studies show that excess intake of chlorogenic acid can increase blood homocysteine levels (15). Though we need more research, high homocysteine levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Issues With Excess Caffeine
Although in low amounts, green coffee does contain caffeine. Excess intake of caffeine can cause certain conditions or even make them worse. These include anxiety, bleeding disorders, diarrhea, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and thinning bones. Can you drink green coffee after dinner? The caffeine in it may keep certain individuals awake. The best time could be in the mornings after breakfast. Can you drink green coffee when you are menstruating? Yes, you can. But if you develop any issues, please stop intake and consult your doctor. How long do green coffee beans last? As they aren’t roasted, green coffee beans can last for years. Store them in a cool and dry place. How many times can you drink green coffee in a day? Depends on the dosage. But if you are using 150 ml cup, you can drink 2 to 3 times a day. Do green coffee beans taste like coffee? Green coffee has a gentler, lighter flavor than ordinary coffee. Is green coffee beans bitter? Yes, green coffee is frequently referred to as tasting bitter and grassy. Does green coffee smell like coffee? No. The aroma of pure green coffee bean extract is not similar to that of coffee. Instead, it has a pleasant grass scent.
Illustration: Powerful Ways Green Coffee Beans Can Benefit Your Health
Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans that are high in antioxidants and can be used to make a delicious drink. Learn more about their health benefits in this video!
