When you think of coffee beans, you probably think of the brown, aromatic beans that are roasted and used to brew coffee. However, coffee beans can also be green, and these unroasted beans have some pretty amazing possible health benefits. Their taste is quite different from roasted beans— more mild and grassy —but they pack a powerful nutritional punch.
A specific nutrient in green coffee beans is thought to offer a range of health benefits, including weight loss, lowered blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of several serious diseases (3). This nutrient is called chlorogenic acid, and it’s present in some other foods and supplements as well.
When coffee beans are roasted, the high temperatures destroy chlorogenic acid. Hence, you need to consume green coffee beans to get the potential health benefits of this nutrient.
Green coffee bean extract is a popular supplement that contains high levels of chlorogenic acid. It also contains other helpful compounds, such as caffeine and antioxidants.
Let’s delve in more and learn some of the science-backed benefits of green coffee bean extract.
Weight Loss
Caffeine consumption is associated with lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. The association between caffeine intake and weight loss is strongest in those who are overweight or obese.
Although the quality of studies is not high, recent research suggests that chlorogenic acid may also promote weight loss by:
- Reducing carbohydrate absorption in the digestive tract: This translates into fewer calories being absorbed and available for storage as body fat (5).
- Slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream: Green coffee bean extract may help regulate blood sugar levels (5).
Much of the existing research on the weight-loss effects of chlorogenic acids has been done in animal studies or small human studies of poor quality. While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Read More: Coffee-Lemon And Hot Water For Weight Loss: The Truth Behind This Trend
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. It’s the most common form of diabetes, and it’s on the rise worldwide. Some of the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Green coffee beans may help prevent type 2 diabetes by:
- Reducing blood sugar levels: Chlorogenic acid has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in animal studies. This effect may be due to its ability to slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream (4).
- Improving insulin sensitivity: Chlorogenic acid may help improve the way your body uses insulin, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes (4).
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Chlorogenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against this disease (4).
Taking the green coffee bean extract alone won’t magically cure type 2 diabetes or protect you from developing it if you have certain risk factors. However, it may help lower your risk of this disease if you include it as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutritious diet.
Blood Pressure Management
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. It occurs when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This can be worsened by a number of factors, including poor diet, excess weight, and lack of exercise.
Green coffee bean extract may help lower blood pressure by:
- Reducing blood pressure: Chlorogenic acid has been shown to reduce blood pressure in a 2014 pilot study. More specifically, drinking green coffee daily for 2 weeks was associated with a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) (2).
- Improving endothelial function: The endothelium is the inner lining of your arteries. It’s important for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Chlorogenic acid may help improve endothelial function, which can reduce blood pressure (2).
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for high blood pressure. Chlorogenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against this disease.
Cancer Prevention
Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. There are many different types of cancer, and they can affect any part of the body. While cancer can’t be prevented, some lifestyle choices may lower your risk of developing this disease.
Green coffee bean extract may help prevent cancer by:
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for some cancers. Chlorogenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against this disease (1).
- Reducing oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is a type of cellular damage that can lead to cancer. Chlorogenic acid has antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from this type of damage (1).
- Inhibiting cell proliferation: Chlorogenic acid may help prevent the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells, at least in a test tube (1).
While the potential cancer-preventing effects of green coffee bean extract are promising, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Moderate Energy Boost
Many coffee drinkers rely on the drink to give them a much-needed energy boost. The caffeine in coffee is known for its stimulating effects. Unfortunately, the effects of caffeine can wear off after a while, leading to a crash in energy levels.
Green coffee bean extract may provide a more sustainable energy boost than coffee because it contains less caffeine but also chlorogenic acids. These acids may slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, providing a more gradual and sustainable source of energy (3).
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Skin Hydration And Protection
Green coffee bean extract is often included in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, UV rays, and other environmental stressors.
Anti-Aging Effects
As we grow older, free radicals can damage our body’s cells, potentially leading to several age-related diseases. Green coffee bean extract is high in antioxidants, which can help protect our cells from damage and may even help prevent some of the effects of aging.
Mood Enhancement
Caffeine is well known for its ability to improve mood. Green coffee bean extract contains caffeine, as well as other compounds such as theobromine, which may enhance mood and alertness.
While green coffee bean extract may improve mood, it’s important to remember that it also contains caffeine. Caffeine can cause side effects like anxiety and nervousness, so it’s important to be aware of your caffeine intake if you’re sensitive to this compound.
Safety And Side Effects
Green coffee bean extract is generally safe and well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include headaches, jitters, anxiety, nausea, and diarrhea (3).
It is also available in supplement form. Supplements can be contaminated with other substances that may not be listed on the label. For this reason, it’s important to buy supplements from a reputable source.
On top of that, green coffee bean extract is also available in topical form. Topical products are not likely to cause side effects, but they may cause skin irritation in some people. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to test the product on a small area of skin before using it over a large area.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid green coffee bean extract. The effects of this supplement on pregnancy and lactation are not known. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, talk to your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to some common questions about green coffee bean extract.
Q: What Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Do For You?
A: Green coffee bean extract is a supplement that is high in antioxidants and caffeine. It is often used for its possible weight loss, energy boosting, and mood-enhancing effects.
Q: Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Have Caffeine?
A: Yes, green coffee bean extract contains caffeine, although in a smaller quantity compared to coffee made from roasted coffee beans. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, it is important to be aware of your intake. Too much caffeine can cause side effects like anxiety and nervousness.
Read More: Healthy Coffee Hacks Everyone Needs To Know
Q: How Much Green Coffee Bean Extract Should I Take?
A: There is currently no recommended dose of green coffee bean extract. Follow the instructions on the supplement label and start with a low dose to assess your tolerance.
Q: How Much Weight Can I Lose With Green Coffee Bean Extract?
A: There is no guaranteed amount of weight that you will lose with green coffee bean extract. Weight loss results will vary depending on your diet and exercise habits.
Q: Are There Any Side Effects Of Green Coffee Bean Extract?
A: The most common side effects of green coffee bean extract are mild, such as headaches, jitters, anxiety, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are linked to the caffeine content of the supplement. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with a low dose to assess your tolerance.
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Q: Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Give You Energy?
A: Green coffee bean extract contains caffeine, which is a known energy booster. The other compounds in the supplement (such as theobromine) may also enhance mood and alertness.
The Bottom Line
Green coffee bean extract is a natural product that contains a number of compounds that may have health benefits. This supplement is generally safe and well tolerated, but it can cause side effects in some people. If you’re considering taking green coffee bean extract, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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SOURCES:
- Chlorogenic Acid: The Conceivable Chemosensitizer Leading to Cancer Growth Suppression (2018, nih.gov)
- Consumption of Green Coffee Reduces Blood Pressure and Body Composition by Influencing 11β-HSD1 Enzyme Activity in Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Crossover Study Using Green and Black Coffee (2014, nih.gov)
- GREEN COFFEE BEANS:HEALTH BENEFITS,SIDE EFFECTS AND MORE (2022, kidneyeurology.org)
- The chemistry of chlorogenic acid from green coffee and its role in attenuation of obesity and diabetes (2020, nih.gov)
- The Use of Green Coffee Extract as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials (2011, nih.gov)
