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.