Are you a coffee lover and also a fitness freak? Well! Then you must know about the healthier version of your favorite beverage. The usual coffee that you relish as hot or cold delight is prepared from roasted coffee beans, while the unroasted, raw beans known as green coffee possess superior health benefits. It has a milder flavor than roasted coffee.
The benefits of drinking green coffee have been popularized for a few years, weight loss and diabetes control being the areas of prime interest. If you are not happy with the taste of green coffee as a beverage, you can consume it in the form of green coffee extracts or pills that are readily available in the market. These are comparatively easy to consume on regular basis for a long period.
Raw coffee beans that appear greenish are popularly called Green Coffee. The flavor and aroma of green coffee are highly enhanced by roasting it to get the commonly used roasted coffee. Green coffee is considered superior to roasted coffee in terms of health benefits offered by the prime constituent ”chlorogenic acid”.
Chlorogenic acid is a useful antioxidant that is present in ample amounts in green coffee while its quantity in roasted coffee is comparatively less. Numerous benefits of drinking green coffee have been discussed and studied, however, there is limited information about its actual role in offering specific therapeutic benefits.
Green coffee beans are widely used as anti-diabetic supplements. Additionally, it is said to have neuroprotective effects. These effects are mainly due to certain phenolic acids, namely, chlorogenic acids. Studies show chlorogenic acids can improve cognitive functions and may ward off neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Green Coffee and Regular Coffee: How are they different?
Coffee is one of the most traded and valuable crops widely consumed by the entire world. It comes from coffee beans, which are essentially seeds of the flowering plant Coffea genus. These plants, or shrubs, produce small, edible fruits that somewhat resemble cherries or berries. Coffee beans are the seeds of these fruits.
However, we have often seen people purchasing green coffee in the current times along with the regular coffee that has been consumed for decades now. For all of those who are wondering, green coffee comes from green coffee beans which are the ones that have not been roasted yet. The roasting of the beans adds and brings out the well-known and distinct flavour and aroma of coffee that we are acquainted with.
So, why is green coffee promoted and proven to be better to consume as compared to regular coffee? Green coffee beans have a high amount of a chemical compound called chlorogenic acid. When the coffee beans are roasted, the amount of chlorogenic acid reduces to quite an extent, thus rendering regular coffee much less beneficial as compared to green coffee. It is the presence of chlorogenic acid that gives coffee its inherent health benefits.
Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss
How Does Chlorogenic Acid work?
Chlorogenic acid has been proven to be effective in supporting weight loss. Other benefits include promoting a healthy heart by stabilizing blood pressure, and improving mood, energy and blood sugar levels.
Chlorogenic acid slows the absorption of fat from food intake and activates the metabolism of extra fat in your body. This helps your body burn stored fat for energy. Chlorogenic acid has hypoglycemic properties that promote healthy cholesterol levels and triglyceride concentrations as well. It is also known to have antioxidant properties that protect the body from harmful free radicals. Consuming green coffee, which comes from green coffee beans, is much better for your health benefits as compared to regular coffee.
Some studies show that green coffee beans may improve liver health by reducing hepatic aminotransferase. It also may prevent the progression of pre-existing liver diseases. Additionally, polyphenols present in coffee beans may help in improving fatty liver conditions, insulin sensitivity, and reducing abdominal fat.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Green coffee is marketed in the form of coffee beans, powder, and extracts for consumption with water. Add the powdered coffee to a cup of hot boiling water, leave for some time, mix well and your healthy drink is ready! You can also buy green coffee extracts in the form of drops or pills for direct consumption.
It gives a mild, herbal taste and should not be consumed in excess due to its caffeine content. It is safe to consume about 400 ml of green coffee as a beverage in a day, excess consumption may cause insomnia, anxiety, headache, and other health issues. Hence, it is advisable to consume it in an adequate amount. Go on, enjoy the goodness of green coffee in every sip of your drink.
Read more about: Health Benefits of Alsi (Flax Seeds)
Still looking for ways to lose weight? The joys of socializing come with extra calories. Busy schedules don’t let us exercise and if we are not busy we are bored; hence we eat. Between conversations and surfing the internet, somewhere you got the idea that green coffee is your way out of this cycle. But like all solutions that you have tried before, how effective can this really be?
Coffee beans green in colour.
This is because these are raw coffee beans that haven’t been roasted.
The roasting process reduces the amount of chlorogenic acid present in coffee beans.
Chlorogenic acid is a chemical that has health benefits and all the benefits associated with green coffee come from here.
The magic of Chlorogenic acid!
While regular coffee only increases metabolism, the Chlorogenic acid also slows down the process of absorbing fat from the food we eat. This is what makes green coffee a substance that can help you in your efforts to lose weight. But that’s not it!
Green coffee beans are also known to be strong appetite suppressants. Having half a cup of coffee one hour before your meal can reduce your average food intake.
Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss
If your coffee beans are not decaf, they can lead to increased blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and sleep problems. So, you can always go for decaf and skip the side effects.
The evidence from large studies seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Consumption of 60-180 mg a day is suitable. This is around one tablespoon of grinded green coffee beans with a cup of warm water.
Though different articles make various claims about the effectiveness of green coffee beans, it would be realistic to expect a loss of 1- 2kgs by consuming a cup of 100-180 ml before breakfast, lunch and dinner for two weeks.
Coffee is known to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, boost immunity and improve the digestion.Many people consume coffee without milk as a weight loss management strategy.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
So, should I go for it?
Green coffee beans carry some potential to help us lose weight, but most experts believe that there is no substitute for eating healthy and exercise. (sigh!)
Also, green coffee beans are slightly more expensive than alternative ingredients that help increase metabolism and suppress appetite.
But you never know what might work for you. So, if you are willing to try something new, well why not? Every small step counts.
Also Read: 8 Effective Exercises for Weight Loss.
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