Many of us drink coffee daily, whether
single-origin, blended, fair trade certified or organic coffee. Coffee beans
are roasted to obtain the dark brown colour and various aromas we’re familiar
with, but did you know that there’s another form of coffee that offers several
health benefits?
Known as green coffee, don’t let the name fool
you. It does not stem from some exotic plant grown by specialty farmers - green
coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee beans. Unlike regular coffee, green
coffee has a much lighter, more mild flavour with more of a thickness and
density to it. Some say the taste of green coffee is similar to green or herbal
tea and slightly “grassy”, but it's not the same. Green coffee also tastes more
acidic than roasted coffee as its chemical profile is quite different. Consumed
either as an infusion, decoction or an extract in supplements, it boasts an
abundant supply of chlorogenic acids, compounds with potent anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. As such, health and wellness benefits have been
linked to drinking green coffee. Here we share five benefits linked to green
coffee.
Helps
regulate blood sugar levels
Several studies have found that green coffee and
its extract, when taken in supplement form, can help stabilise blood sugar
levels and boost insulin sensitivity. Green coffee can improve fasting blood
glucose levels, triglyceride levels, and overall lipid profiles, all linked to
the development and regulation of type 2 diabetes. In particular, the
chlorogenic acids in green coffee can help insulin sensitivity and treat
metabolic syndrome, both leading causes of diabetes.
Positive
effect on cholesterol
Green coffee has been found to improve total
cholesterol levels, including HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol,
helping improve overall health.
Helps
control blood pressure
Green coffee extract can decrease high blood
pressure and optimise heart health due to its chlorogenic acids. Numerous
trials have found it lowers blood pressure while improving blood vessel function
among those suffering from hypertension. Green coffee was also found to reduce
the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to increase blood pressure.
Can
reduce risk of chronic diseases
As green coffee is made up of chlorogenic acids,
powerful antioxidants, it can help prevent free radicals from damaging the body
and immune system. Its chlorogenic acids can help reduce the risk of developing
chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and potentially help treat
skin cancer in addition to more severe types such as breast, liver and colon
cancer.
Potential
weight loss aid
Green coffee extract may assist with weight loss,
as chlorogenic acids can slow the production of new fat cells and help burn fat
cells already present. It also contains amino acids, proteins, and vitamins,
which can help promote weight loss.
Before you look to try green coffee or green
coffee supplements, remember that the caffeine content and chlorogenic acids in
green coffee may vary in different brands. To obtain the best results and avoid
any potential negative side effects, we recommend investing in quality,
responsibly-farmed green coffee brands like Green Coffee Monaco.
