You might have heard about green coffee bean supplements and wondered if they're worth the hype. After all, green coffee beans aren't your typical coffee beans. They're unroasted, which means they retain more of their natural compounds, including chlorogenic acid, which has been linked to numerous health benefits.9
So, what exactly are green coffee bean supplements, and do they really work? Let's dive into the science behind these supplements.
What are green coffee bean supplements?
Green coffee bean supplements are made from unroasted coffee beans. These beans are typically dried, ground into a powder, and then used to make capsules or extract. These supplements contain chlorogenic acid, which is a type of polyphenol that's found in coffee beans.
Chlorogenic acid is thought to be the key component that provides the health benefits of green coffee bean supplements. It's believed to help with weight loss by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates and increasing the metabolism.
What does the science say about green coffee bean supplements?
Several studies have examined the effects of supplements on weight loss, and the results have been mixed. Some studies have shown that green coffee bean supplements can lead to modest weight loss, while others have found no significant difference compared to a placebo.
According to research that appeared in the Journal of International Medical Research, those who took green coffee bean extract over the course of 12 weeks dropped an average of 11 pounds, compared to just 3 pounds for those who took a placebo. It's important to keep in mind that the study was small and was funded by the supplier of the dietary supplement.
The results of a different study, which was also published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice, showed that green coffee bean extract had no appreciable impact on weight loss in obese people. Additionally, the study stated that there was no proof that green coffee bean extract was dangerous.
Overall, the evidence is inconclusive, but it does imply that supplements made from green coffee beans might have a negligible impact on weight loss.
What other benefits do green coffee bean supplements offer?
In addition to potential weight loss benefits, green coffee bean supplements may offer other health benefits as well. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that chlorogenic acid may help reduce inflammation in the body by decreasing the production of inflammatory molecules. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that chlorogenic acid may help improve insulin sensitivity, which could help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Green coffee bean supplements may offer some health benefits, including potential weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and more research is needed to understand the effects of these supplements fully.
If you're considering taking green coffee bean supplements, it's important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications. While these supplements may be safe for most people, they may cause side effects in some individuals.