Charting a course towards a healthier, more vibrant you can sometimes feel tricky — but green coffee bean extract is a plant-based supplement that has been turning heads.
Derived from unroasted coffee beans, this supplement boasts a range of potential health benefits, making it an exciting addition to your wellness toolkit.
What Is Green Coffee Bean Extract?
As you might guess from its name, green coffee extract is a popular dietary supplement derived from green coffee beans. Unlike the familiar brown coffee beans, green coffee beans are the unroasted seeds of raw coffee cherries.
This distinction is important as it's the roasting process that transforms green coffee beans into the brown ones we commonly associate with our morning brew. By bypassing this roasting process, green coffee beans retain their natural hue and a host of beneficial compounds.
How Is Green Coffee Bean Extract Made?
The creation of green coffee extract starts with the careful picking of high-quality green coffee beans, usually from the Arabica or Robusta plants. These whole beans are then soaked in water to extract their unique compounds and flavors.
After a good soak, the water, now infused with all the essential compounds, is separated and concentrated into an extract. This process ensures that the most beneficial elements are preserved in the extract.
How Does Green Coffee Differ From Regular Coffee?
Seeing as how they come from the same plants, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between green coffee and regular coffee. Well, the secret lies in the roasting process.
Your usual coffee undergoes a roasting process that imparts its characteristic flavor and aroma. However, this heating process also diminishes the amount of chlorogenic acid, which is the primary source of the health-boosting compound found in green coffee.
Another noteworthy distinction is that a cup of green coffee typically has a lower amount of caffeine than regular coffee due to the absence of roasting. However, since it’s still derived from coffee, it does have more caffeine than most green teas and herbal teas — therefore, it can be a perfect pick-me-up for those looking to curb their caffeine intake but still crave a gentle stimulant.
What Is the Key Compound Found in Green Coffee Bean Extract?
At the heart of green coffee bean extract's health-promoting properties is a key compound known as chlorogenic acid. This potent antioxidant is the standout star in green coffee extract, contributing significantly to the supplement's numerous potential health benefits.
Chlorogenic acid is a type of polyphenol, a class of antioxidants renowned for their health-promoting properties. It's a composite of two other acids — caffeic acid and quinic acid. While you can find chlorogenic acid in various plants like apples, carrots, grapes, plums, and potatoes, its concentration is particularly high in coffee beans.
As we mentioned earlier, the roasting process of regular coffee, which gives regular coffee its characteristic aroma and flavor, significantly reduces the amount of chlorogenic acid. Thus, while your morning cup of joe might be rich in taste, it's not as potent in chlorogenic acid as its green counterpart.
That's where green coffee bean extract comes in. By skipping the roasting process, green coffee retains a higher concentration of chlorogenic acid, so switching from regular coffee to green coffee bean extract allows you to tap into the full potential of chlorogenic acid.
What Are the Health Benefits of Green Coffee Bean Extract?
Green coffee bean extract is a highly popular supplement for several reasons. Let’s explore some of the potential health benefits provided by this natural gem:
Supports Healthy Weight Management
Green coffee bean extract is often hailed as a natural form of support for weight management, and the science backs up this claim. The aforementioned chlorogenic acid is believed to play a significant role in managing body weight.
For example, studies have shown that chlorogenic acid may support healthy levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase, which is involved in the formation of body fat.
Green coffee bean extract may also support a healthy metabolic rate. A proper metabolic rate means your body burns calories efficiently, which can support weight management efforts.
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health concern. Green coffee bean extract may help support healthy blood vessels, potentially helping maintain healthy blood pressure.
Once again, the hero compound is chlorogenic acid. Animal studies have shown this compound can improve vascular function and promote healthy blood flow, essential factors in managing blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Supports Stable Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial, and green coffee bean extract may help in this regard.
Research suggests the chlorogenic acid in the extract can support the way the body handles metabolic processes related to blood sugar. It's thought to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels, promoting overall stability and supporting proper insulin sensitivity.
Maintains Cholesterol Levels Already in the Normal Range
When it comes to your lipid profile, green coffee bean extract may lend a helping hand. Studies have shown that the chlorogenic acid in the extract may help maintain normal cholesterol levels, contributing to a healthy lipid profile.
Supports Cells During Exposure to Free Radicals
Green coffee bean extract may also step in as a form of support for cells during exposure to free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells. The extract is rich in antioxidants, which are known to neutralize these harmful molecules.
Among these antioxidants is, once again, chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to effectively support cell health, contributing to overall longevity.
How Can You Get More Green Coffee Bean Extract Each Day?
Adding more green coffee bean extract to your daily routine can be straightforward. One of the easiest ways is by taking a green coffee supplement, which can be found in most health food stores, pharmacies, or online. These supplements are typically available in capsule or powder form, offering convenience and ease of use.
Another approach is brewing whole green coffee beans, similar to how you'd prepare your regular cup of coffee. This method can offer a more natural and direct way to enjoy the benefits of green coffee.
However, be prepared for a flavor profile that's quite different from roasted coffee. Green coffee tends to have a more "grassy," acidic taste. This unique flavor can take some getting used to, but many find it a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Green Coffee Bean Extract?
While green coffee bean extract is generally considered safe, it's important to remember that moderation is crucial. Due to its caffeine content, consuming high doses could lead to some side effects. These may include restlessness, insomnia, an upset stomach, increased heart rate, and ringing in the ears. Additionally, in rare cases, high doses of chlorogenic acid could potentially lead to calcium depletion.
Therefore, before incorporating green coffee bean extract or any new supplement into your routine, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances, ensuring that your wellness journey is both safe and effective.
The Bottom Line
Green coffee bean extract, with its array of potential health benefits, has rightfully earned its place as a popular plant-based supplement. From aiding weight management to supporting blood pressure and glucose levels, this extract derived from unroasted coffee beans has been garnering attention in the wellness sphere.
It's important to remember that, like any supplement, green coffee bean extract works best as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, not as a standalone solution. At iwi life, our Brain supplement features green coffee bean alongside omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids to support cognitive health.
One of the ways to complement the efficacy of green coffee bean extract is to pair it with other beneficial supplements, creating a comprehensive approach to wellness. For example, consider adding iwi life's plant-based omega-3 supplements to your daily routine.
Our algae-derived supplements are a sustainable and plant-based source of these essential fatty acids. Combining the antioxidant-rich green coffee bean extract with our omega-3-packed iwi life supplements can provide a well-rounded boost to your overall health.
Explore our selection of omega-3 supplements to achieve a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
Sources:
Chlorogenic acid and its role in biological functions: an up to date | PMC
