Coffee is praised for not only its flavor but also for its many potential health benefits. However, before coffee becomes the delicious beverage we all love, it has to be carefully grown, harvested, and roasted. Instead of focusing on the end result, today we’re going to take a look at green coffee bean extract, the unroasted beans that may provide us with various benefits.
What Is Green Coffee Bean Extract and What Are Its Benefits and Side Effects?
What Is Green Coffee Bean Extract?
Green coffee bean extract is derived from unroasted coffee beans. Its high levels of chlorogenic acid are thought to have various health benefits, making it a popular dietary supplement. And while roasted coffee does have small amounts of chlorogenic acid, most of it is lost during the roasting process. This isn’t to say that the roasted beans used to make coffee don’t offer benefits, but rather different advantages than green coffee bean extract.
Green coffee bean extract is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powder, and is often marketed as a natural weight loss supplement. It can be found online or in some health stores. As an increasingly popular product, it's worth exploring the benefits that come with it.
Green Coffee Bean Extract Benefits
Research on the benefits of green coffee bean extract is limited, but its use by different health-related companies and consumers gives us an insight into its potential benefits:
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Weight loss
Green coffee bean extract is most commonly recognized as a weight loss supplement. This is because chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans may increase metabolism and reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, therefore helping to reduce body weight and body fat.
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Improved blood sugar control
Chlorogenic acid may also help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, offering multiple benefits for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Lowered blood pressure
Some studies have found that green coffee bean extract may affect the blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure as a result.
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Antioxidant effects
Chlorogenic acid is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. This may play a role in conditions such as heart disease and cancer, among others.
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Reduced risk of heart disease
Some research suggests that green coffee bean extract may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
Green Coffee Bean Extract Side Effects
While green coffee bean extract powder is celebrated for its health benefits, it does have potential side effects that everyone should be aware of before consumption. This includes:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Upset stomach
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Allergic reactions
- Interference with medications
- Muscle Tension
Before including green coffee bean extract in your wellness routine, it’s important that you talk to your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing conditions that could be affected by this dietary supplement. Your doctor can also advise you on dosage and answer any questions you may have.
Benefits of the Coffee Plant
The coffee plant is one of the most consumed plants in the world, and for good reason. While research is still limited on green coffee bean extract, it shows promising benefits as mentioned in this article.
At Pax & Beneficia, we respect all of the qualities of the coffee plant. And though we do not personally use green coffee bean extract at our cafés, we make sure that all of our coffee is properly grown and harvested so that you can get the maximum benefits from your cup of coffee. Learn more about our freshly roasted coffees and the stories that make them even more special.
