6 Powerful Ways Green Coffee Beans Can Benefit Your Health

Green coffee beans are a powerful weight loss supplement and have gained popularity in recent years. Chlorogenic acid found in green coffee beans is anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic. This single-origin coffee helps you focus better, boosts your mood, and controls blood pressure levels. This article discusses the benefits of organic green coffee beans, how to use them, and their risks. Read on.

Know Your Ingredient: Green Coffee

What Is It?
A natural unroasted coffee bean that contains more chlorogenic acid than roasted coffee.

What Are Its Benefits?
Aids weight loss, boosts energy, enhances the mood, and helps manage diabetes.

Who Can Use It?
All except those who are pregnant or lactating.

How Often?
A cup of coffee a day.

Caution
May lead to high homocysteine levels and increase the risk of forming blood clots, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues.

What Are Green Coffee Beans? How Do They Work?

These are the natural unroasted coffee beans extracted from coffee plants, unlike those you usually find in the market. The coffee cherries undergo the process of coffee farming, coffee harvesting and then coffee processing to be one of the finest coffee. The most important component of coffee beans is chlorogenic acid – which is usually removed in the coffee roasting (1).

Green organic coffee beans contain the maximum (the most of it, at least) chlorogenic acid content. Studies state the anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenicⁱ  A substance that suppresses the growth of cancer or negates the effects of a carcinogen. They are used to eliminate or stop the growth of cancer cells specifically. properties of chlorogenic acid (2).

Thanks to these properties there are countless green coffee benefits that can greatly improve your health. So let’s check them out in detail below!

How Can Green Coffee Beans Benefit Your Health?

1. Can Help You With Weight Loss

Studies show that green coffee bean extract (GCBE) can help fight obesity by lowering the accumulation of body fat (3). In obese mice that were fed a high-fat diet, the green coffee bean extract had significantly lowered body weight gain.

Another study quoted the possibility of using GCE as a weight loss supplement as promising. Though more research is needed to label GCE as a powerful weight loss tool, this is an encouraging step (4).

Prachi, a YouTuber, shared her experience of consuming green coffee beans for weight loss. She explains, “I personally have it three times a day, 30 minutes before a meal, and right after having the green bean, I go for a little walk… The idea is that right after you have green coffee, get your body in motion a little bit and then sit down and eat. That way, in these short bursts of activity, especially right after having green coffee, you actually end up burning a lot of energy (i).” She adds how these beans also help suppress hunger pangs so that you don’t snack unnecessarily.

2. Can Aid Diabetes Treatment

The chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans was found to affect blood glucose levels. In the study, participants who received a high dose of GCE (400 mg) saw the biggest drop in blood glucose levels (5).

Daily intake of three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee with high chlorogenic acid content was found to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30% (6). Chlorogenic acid also stimulates insulin secretion and has been often described as a potential anti-diabetic agent.

Quick Tip

It is recommended to drink green coffee after meals because blood sugar level rises after the carbohydrate or protein intake.

3. Regulate Blood Pressure

Intake of GCE in hypertensive rats showed a reduction in their blood pressure levels (7). Similar results were observed in humans too – where blood pressure levels in the human participants reduced during the ingestion period of GCE (8).

Chlorogenic acid inhibits the formation of active cortisol, which is a hormone known to increase blood pressure levels (9). Consumption of green coffee also improves arterial elasticity, thereby lowering blood pressure levels.

4. Offer Anti-Aging Benefits

Green coffee beans are replete with antioxidants and offer excellent anti-aging effects. The chlorogenic acid in the seeds was found to improve skin properties and microcirculatory function in humans. Ingestion of the beans decreased skin dryness and transepidermal water loss and improved skin surface pH levels. Consuming chlorogenic acid for eight weeks also improved skin hydration (10).

These are the most important benefits of green coffee beans. There are a few other benefits – although they have insufficient medical backing. Hence, we suggest you speak to your doctor before using green coffee beans for the below-mentioned benefits.

5. May Help Boost Focus And Mood

Green coffee beans do contain some caffeine. Sources suggest that caffeine, in general, can improve mental health by boosting mood, attention, memory, and alertness (11).

We don’t have research stating that the caffeine in green coffee beans may have similar effects as the content is relatively low compared to regular coffee.

Also, certain individuals may react differently to caffeine. If you have had issues with caffeine before, please consult your doctor before using green coffee beans.

There is one study that shows that green coffee bean extract can have neuroprotective effects on patients with Alzheimer’s disease (12). However, more research is needed in this regard.

6. May Enhance Energy Levels

This again has got to do with the little caffeine in green coffee beans. Caffeine is found to boost energy levels and even enhance athletic performance (13).

But we don’t know yet how effective green coffee beans can be in boosting your energy levels.

These are the important reasons you must include green coffee beans in your routine. Now let’s explore their origin and processing in the next section.

Origin And Processing Of Green Coffee Beans

Green coffee beans originate from different parts of the world, and the main producers are Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. Each has a unique flavor profile that is impacted by climate, altitude, and soil. For instance, Brazilian beans are prized for their smooth, nutty flavor, while Ethiopian beans are known for their vibrant acidity and floral undertones. The chemical makeup of green coffee beans, particularly their antioxidant content, is influenced by their origin and flavor.

Harvesting is the first step in the processing of green coffee beans, and it is often done by hand to guarantee that only mature cherries are selected. Following harvest, the beans are processed using one of three techniques: honey processing, wet processing, or dry processing. Each of these techniques has a significant impact on the flavor and quality of the beans. For instance, dry processing enhances fruity notes, while wet processing produces a cleaner, more lively taste. To maintain their raw, unroasted nature, the beans are treated, dried, sorted, and then packaged for distribution. This knowledge about the processing techniques can help you understand and appreciate the unique flavors of green coffee beans. 

Knowing where green coffee beans come from and how they are processed helps you understand their unique traits and enhances their benefits when making green coffee at home. Scroll down to know more.

How To Make Green Coffee

Preparing green coffee is quite simple. Use green coffee beans (instead of powder) for best results.

1. Add 10 grams (1 ½ tablespoons) of the beans to a pot (ensure you rinse them beforehand) and transfer it to a stove.
2. Add two cups of water and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat.
4. Strain the extract into a container (using a fine mesh strainer). The strainer would filter out the beans. You can store them in a sealable bag in a refrigerator. Use them once again within a week and discard them.
5. Enjoy your green coffee!

Quick Tip

You can also add a pinch of cinnamon powder after straining the extract to make the green coffee taste better.

Note: To ensure sustainability and quality, choose green coffee beans that are labeled as “fair trade” and “organic.” Beans should have no flaws or mold growth and be consistent in size and color. Pay attention to the region of origin, as it influences flavor and antioxidant content.

If you are using green coffee beans, do check the packaging for the caffeine content. Keep the dosage in mind as some coffee traders (coffee exporters and coffee importers) can manipulate you while selling. Keep reading to learn more about the recommended dosage of green coffee beans.

Recommended Dosage Of Green Coffee Beans

The usual dosage of green coffee bean extract supplements ranges from 200 to 400 milligrams, taken two to three times a day, preferably before meals. However, one must read the labels and follow the stated instructions. Recommended dosages can vary between products.

Beginners can start at the lower end of the recommended dosage to assess their tolerance, as exceeding the recommended dose can cause digestive issues. Moreover, those with an underlying health condition or those taking any regulated medications must consult their healthcare professional before adding green coffee bean supplements or the coffee into their routine.

So, are we done? Well, not yet. Although these fair trade coffee beans are a healthier option than Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee, you need to keep certain things in mind.

What Are The Side Effects Of Green Coffee Beans?

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

There is not enough reliable information available in this regard. Hence, stay on the safe side and avoid use.

• Abnormally High Homocysteine Levels

Studies show that excess intake of chlorogenic acid can increase blood homocysteine levels (15). Though we need more research, high homocysteine levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Issues With Excess Caffeine

Although in low amounts, green coffee does contain caffeine. Excess intake of caffeine can cause certain conditions or even make them worse. These include anxiety, bleeding disorders, diarrhea, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and thinning bones.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Green Coffee Beans

Green coffee beans are an effective supplement to fight against diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional before adding green coffee beans to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. We would also like to highlight their most important benefits in the infographic below. Scroll down now!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink green coffee after dinner?

The caffeine in it may keep certain individuals awake. The best time could be in the mornings after breakfast.

Can you drink green coffee when you are menstruating?

Yes, you can. But if you develop any issues, please stop intake and consult your doctor.

How long do green coffee beans last?

As they aren’t roasted, green coffee beans can last for years. Store them in a cool and dry place.

How many times can you drink green coffee in a day?

Depends on the dosage. But if you are using 150 ml cup, you can drink 2 to 3 times a day.

Do green coffee beans taste like coffee?

Green coffee has a gentler, lighter flavor than ordinary coffee.

Is green coffee beans bitter?

Yes, green coffee is frequently referred to as tasting bitter and grassy.

Does green coffee smell like coffee?

No. The aroma of pure green coffee bean extract is not similar to that of coffee. Instead, it has a pleasant grass scent.

Illustration: Powerful Ways Green Coffee Beans Can Benefit Your Health

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans that are high in antioxidants and can be used to make a delicious drink. Learn more about their health benefits in this video!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Alexandra DusenberryMS, RDN

       

Alexandra Dusenberry is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified personal trainer based in San Diego, California. She has 6 years of experience and works with clients around the world to help them reach their health and fitness goals.

Read full bio of Alexandra Dusenberry

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Aparna Mallampalli