5 Ways Green Coffee Bean Extract Supports Health

Green coffee bean extract was brought to public attention in 2012 when it was featured on the “The Dr. Oz Show.” The show touted the weight loss benefits of this natural extract, which is derived from unground coffee beans. However, facilitating weight loss isn’t the only noteworthy effect of green coffee bean extract. At PurMedica, we offer and recommend this extract because it provides a wide range of health benefits, starting with the following five.

1. Supports Healthier Body Weight

One of the most popular and accepted uses of green coffee bean extract is as a weight loss supplement. Research has found correlations between the use of this extract and reductions in body mass index, weight and overall body fat. However, as is the case with most weight loss supplements, the results vary between studies and between people.

There are a few ways that green coffee bean extract can aid in weight loss. First, it increases metabolism; this is a known effect of both caffeine and the chlorogenic acid present in the extract. Second, green coffee bean extract appears to impair the body’s ability to synthesize fat and absorb sugar. This effect is attributable to chlorogenic acid, which exists in raw coffee beans but is lost during the roasting process. This explains why green coffee bean extract provides greater benefits for weight loss than regular coffee does.

2. Provides Antioxidants

Green coffee bean extract contains higher levels of antioxidants than regular coffee because some antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, are lost during roasting. Although a cup of coffee still contains enough antioxidants to offer health benefits, green coffee bean extract delivers a much greater amount. These antioxidants play an important role in mitigating damage from free radicals, which can cause all of the following destructive effects at the cellular level:

• Aging

• Cancer

• Deterioration

Research suggests that antioxidants can lower a person’s risk of developing infections, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It’s best to take in antioxidants from various sources, such as fruits and vegetables; however, taking a supplement to ensure a daily dose is usually beneficial.

3. Stabilizes Blood Glucose

Research also indicates that green coffee bean extract may play an important role in controlling blood glucose levels. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to decrease the release of an enzyme that is associated with higher blood glucose concentrations. The use of green coffee bean extract may offer benefits for pre-diabetic individuals and people with Type II diabetes.

The ability of green coffee bean extract to manage blood sugar also offers secondary benefits. People with more regular blood sugar levels typically feel more energetic and mentally focused. They also may experience more successful weight loss, as they are less prone to cravings, fatigue and other conditions that can contribute to unhealthy eating.

4. Reduces Blood Pressure

Research has also suggested that people who take green coffee bean extract experience decreases in blood pressure. This can offer significant benefits for overall health, since elevated blood pressure can weaken the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and various other serious complications. However, since many studies have focused only on certain varieties of extract, these effects have not been categorically established.

Some people worry that taking green coffee bean extract for high blood pressure will have counterproductive effects because caffeine can cause immediate spikes in blood pressure. In some individuals, caffeine also can promote long-term increases in average blood pressure. Fortunately, green coffee bean extract typically contains very low levels of caffeine. This makes it safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure.

5. Improves Mood and Mental Function

Green coffee bean extract may also improve mental capability and emotional well-being. One 2012 study suggested that the chlorogenic acid present in green coffee bean extract could boost the emotions and mental function of healthy older adults. However, this study surveyed the effects of chlorogenic acid combined with regular coffee; chlorogenic acid ingested in the form of green coffee bean extract may produce different effects. Other research has suggested that some mental functions, including concentration, improve when people take this extract.

Further study into many of these uses of green coffee bean extract is needed. Still, early research and anecdotal evidence indicate that this extract may offer many benefits for general health. Given its low caffeine content, natural derivation and potential positive effects, this supplement is a treatment worth trying for people who want to achieve their best health through natural measures.