Green coffee or roasted coffee?
Green coffee has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in recent years. It has a long list of benefits, which we'll explore in this article to see which ones are true and which ones are false.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, appreciated both for its flavor and its ability to provide that desired boost. However, green coffee, a product that has gained popularity in recent years, is different from roasted coffee.
We, anticipating what you'll see for yourself when you read this article, recommend that you drink specialty roasted coffee. It has practically the same benefits as green coffee, but it's much tastier .
In any case, in this article, we'll explore what green coffee is, where it comes from, its properties, contraindications, and whether it's truly a great ally for weight loss.
What is green coffee?
Coffee is the seed of a bush, the coffee tree, whose fruit is a berry or cherry that typically contains two seeds. Coffee plants, whose botanical name is Coffea , come in different varieties, each of which gives each seed its own unique organoleptic characteristics.
Green coffee beans come from the fruits of the coffee plant, a plant native to Africa . The process of obtaining green coffee involves harvesting the fruits, extracting the beans, and then drying them in the sun or using other methods to preserve their color and natural properties.
Green coffee refers to these unroasted coffee beans, meaning they haven't gone through the roasting process that gives them the characteristic dark color and flavor we associate with coffee. In their unroasted state, green coffee beans are light green and contain a number of chemical compounds that are responsible for many of their beneficial properties.
These beans are used to make green coffee supplements or, once roasted, to obtain the popular beverage. They have also become a popular ingredient in some beverages and diet products.
Properties of green coffee
Green coffee has a quite different chemical profile from roasted coffee, despite coming from the same source. It contains a high amount of chlorogenic acids, compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can provide many health benefits.
Roasted coffee products also contain small amounts of chlorogenic acid, but some is lost during the roasting process. Some of the health benefits of chlorogenic acids include:
- Antioxidants : Green coffee is rich in antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Energy Level : The caffeine in green coffee can provide a temporary energy boost and improve mental focus.
- Potential weight loss aid : It has been suggested that the chlorogenic acid present in green coffee may help reduce fat absorption and improve metabolism, which could contribute to weight loss.
Is green coffee slimming? Myth or reality?
The idea that green coffee is a slimming product is controversial . Several years ago, it gained popularity as a miracle slimming product when promoted by some celebrities.
At the same time, many experts emerged refuting the idea that green coffee or green coffee extract had any impact on weight loss.
Following this, numerous studies were conducted to test whether green coffee helps with weight loss. The results of this study have not yielded clear results.
Some studies conducted in mice have shown benefits for reducing overall body fat. But these same studies, when replicated in humans, have not yielded the same results.
Other studies have yielded positive results, but these were very small, of very short duration, and poorly designed.
Therefore, the results are not conclusive nor do they guarantee spectacular results. Healthy weight loss still depends on healthy eating and exercise.
Green coffee has other benefits
Although the benefits of green coffee for weight loss are unclear, it does have other benefits . In fact, chlorogenic acids may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease .
In an 8-week study , 50 people with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of risk factors, including high blood pressure and blood sugar, that increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease) took 400 mg of decaffeinated green coffee bean extract twice daily.
Those taking the extract experienced significant improvements in fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist circumference, compared to a control group.
Although these results are promising, larger studies are needed.
Other benefits of green coffee
Green coffee and roasted coffee share many of the same benefits, although the chemical profile changes once roasted. This is because the main active agent of these benefits is chlorogenic acid. Although the concentration of chlorogenic acid is higher in green coffee, the amount present in roasted coffee is sufficient to obtain the benefits.
Here are some of the science-backed benefits of coffee:
- Coffee increases energy levels
- Caffeine can help with brain health
- Coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of depression
- Coffee may contribute to heart health
- Coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Caffeine can help with weight control
- May protect against liver disease
- Coffee is the main source of antioxidants in the modern Western diet.
- Coffee can improve athletic performance
- Coffee can increase our longevity
We discuss all of these in depth and present the scientific evidence in this post on the benefits of coffee.
How many times a day can you drink green coffee?
The amount of green coffee you can consume daily varies depending on the individual and their needs . In general, it's recommended to limit caffeine intake, including that from green coffee, to a reasonable amount.
For most people, one cup a day is usually enough to reap the potential benefits without experiencing negative side effects.
Coffee affects each person differently, and excessive caffeine consumption can cause physical and psychological discomfort. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose is around 400-500 ml of coffee per day (about 4 or 5 cups) for healthy people.
However, it's important to remember that caffeine can affect people differently, so some people may be more sensitive than others.
Who can't drink green coffee?
Although green coffee is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, there are certain groups who should be cautious or avoid it altogether:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women : Due to caffeine and other compounds, pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their consumption of green coffee and consult a health professional before including it in their diet.
- People with caffeine sensitivity : Those who are sensitive to caffeine or who experience side effects such as nervousness, insomnia, or increased heart rate should avoid green coffee.
- People with pre-existing medical conditions : Those with medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, or diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before consuming green coffee due to potential interactions and side effects.
- Children : Green coffee is not recommended for children due to its caffeine content and other compounds that may be inappropriate for their development.
Contraindications of green coffee
Although green coffee has its benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. Some contraindications include :
- Caffeine Sensitivity : People who are sensitive to caffeine may experience nervousness, insomnia, and other unpleasant side effects.
- Digestive problems : Chlorogenic acid may cause stomach upset or diarrhea in some people.
- Drug Interactions : Green coffee may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications, which may affect their effectiveness.
What are the side effects of green coffee?
Although green coffee is generally safe when consumed in moderation , some people may experience side effects, which may include:
- Nervousness and anxiety : Caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, and anxiety in some people.
- Gastrointestinal Problems : The chlorogenic acid in green coffee may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
- Insomnia : Caffeine can interfere with sleep if consumed in excess or close to bedtime.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure : Green coffee may temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure in some people.
What do we think?
Our opinion, as we told you at the beginning, is that instead of drinking green coffee, you should drink specialty roasted coffee. It has practically the same benefits , but we guarantee it's much tastier.
Disclaimer:
This blog, including text, graphics, images, links to third-party resources, and other materials, is for informational purposes only.
It is not a recommendation for consumption nor is it intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Whether you consider yourself healthy or suffer from a medical condition, consult a qualified medical professional about your coffee intake and how much you consume.
If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately.
