Green Bean Coffee - Possible Weight Loss Remedy

Green bean coffee has hit the headlines like a raving storm. It is one of the newest trends for coffee shops, the media and weight loss.

The latest hype is the Dr. Oz Show who started off the season with research about green bean coffee extract and its potential for weight loss. Their studies concluded that green bean coffee extract actually helped people lose weight on an average of 1 pound a week.

An interesting factor about Dr. Oz’s Medical unit research was that all 100 women never changed their diet. Each member took 400 mgs green coffee bean capsules, three times a day, 30 minutes prior to each meal. Moreover, the women were instructed to keep a daily food journal.

According to scientific research by the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal, an average of 16% of overall body fat and 10.5% of overall body weight was lost in 12 weeks with 16 adult partakers. At the end of 12 weeks, each participant lost an average of 17 pounds. Their studies concluded that green bean coffee extract may perhaps be an economical way of preventing obesity in overweight adults. The Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal also concluded that green bean coffee extract might be a valuable tool for weight loss in pre-obese adults.

So, how does green bean coffee help you lose weight? Some feel the weight loss may be contributed to the caffeine. However, green bean coffee has very little caffeine containing 20 mgs in a cup. On the other hand, a fresh roasted cup of coffee contains an average of 100 mgs.

Green bean coffee can attribute weight loss to the natural active compound chlorogenic acid (CGA). The properties in Chlorogenic acid increases the metabolism of the liver and also acts as an inhibitor of glucose. This natural compound helps with weight loss by burning surplus fat and obstructing fat absorption.

There is a huge difference green bean coffee and the coffee you brew. Because coffee is roasted it loses chlorogenic acid once the active compound reaches a certain temperature. Since green bean coffee is not roasted it retains chlorogenic acid.

Taste

Since green bean coffee is not roasted and retains chlorogenic acid it tastes very bitter. In fact, many people feel that the flavor is not very pleasant. When you roast the green coffee beans it releases a distinct aroma, color and taste. In actual fact, the coffee roasting method is how you get various types of coffee such as Columbian, Espresso, French roast, or Italian.

Since green coffee been contains chlorogenic acid there are several health benefits aside from potential weight loss. Chlorogenic acid is a polyphenol which is scientifically known as an antioxidant, preventative for cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and to reduce heart disease.

Blood Pressure

The latest clinical studies show that chlorogenic acid can considerably decrease both diastolic and systolic pressure. As well, it was discovered that chlorogenic acid inhibits LDL oxidation, has no bad cholesterol and has no obvious side effects.

Blood Sugar Level Balancer

According to several scientific studies, chlorogenic acid can reduce the first stages of Type 2 diabetes. It was found to lower blood glucose levels in the small intestine. When blood glucose enters the bloodstream it raises blood sugar levels. Thus, chlorogenic acid can help prevent blood glucose from entering the system. Additionally, clinical studies found that chlorogenic acid improved the activity of transcription factor IDX-1 which helps lower blood sugar.

Cardiovascular Health

According to research chlorogenic acid can reduce plasma homocysteine levels in the blood. Studies show that an raised level of homocysteine can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that chlorogenic acid can help with hypertension by producing vitamin E, inhibiting lipids and decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

The coffee plant is a small tree or evergreen shrub or small tree with over 90 species. It is native to subtropical Africa and southern Asia. Nonetheless, the coffee plant is grown in numerous parts of the world. It has abundant white blossoms with an extraordinary aroma that is similar to jasmine. The short-lived blooms yield a green fruit that later ripens and changes color. The actual coffee bean itself is the seed of the coffee cherry that cab be red, yellow or purple when ripe. The coffee cherry contains two ‘green beans’ called a nuclei. These two ‘green beans’ are equal to two grains of coffee. Remarkably, it takes about four thousand beans to make around one pound of coffee.

Green beans should at all times be stored in a cool dry place. Always avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. It is very important to maintain a dry atmosphere otherwise if the green bean gets wet it can mold. The best way to store green coffee beans is in a paper or cloth bag that way air can circulate easily.

To create green bean coffee extract the seeds are of course not roasted and then soaked and sometimes boiled in filtered hot water until the liquid is concentrated. Depending on the technique, the boiling process is 15 minutes to a day or so. The longer the green coffee beans soak or cook the stronger the concentrate.

There has been little research on the possible side effects of green bean coffee. Largely, it is thought to be safe for consumption. So far, no significant adverse health issues have been recorded. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to consult a specialist or physician prior to changing your dietary habits.

Sustainable green coffee beans are the preferred choice of bean compared to conventional. Look for several certifications and labels like organic, fair trade, shade grown coffee and rainforest alliance. Granting, finding a green bean coffee that with all 4 certifications might be challenging but just one certification will have an enormous effect on the environment.

Organic

Organically grown foods are free of toxic chemicals, hormones and GMOs. As well, they have not been subjected to pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Organic coffee beans are not commercially picked and are generally hand- picked by farmers. As well, organic coffee beans do not use toxic chemicals that harm the soil or wildlife.

Fair Trade

A fair trade certificate warrants that farmers and workers are paid a fair price, prohibits slave and child labor, offers an ethical and courteous working atmosphere and promotes environmental sustainable practices.

Shade grown coffee

Wildlife habitat is being replaced by conventional coffee plantations at a disturbing rate. Indeed, North and South America songbird populations are decreasing rapidly. In contrast, shade grown coffee helps sustain the rainforests and offers a habitat for over 150 species of birds. As well, it provides a sustainable environment usually by growing the coffee plant organically and without toxic chemicals.

Rainforest Alliance

A rainforest alliance certificate can be attained by meeting certain standards set by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). These high standards include meeting all sustainable, environmental and social criteria. Certificate requirements also include particular water and soil conservation practices, the exclusion of slave and child labor, wildlife preservation and the encouragement of a toxic-free environment.

By and large, it is easy to find green products like organic coffee beans. Contrariwise, finding certified green bean coffee may be a challenge. Fair trade and organic coffee beans (roasted) can generally be found at a coffee shop or health food store. The Internet is also another great source.

The Internet is also the best place to find certified green bean coffee. There are various roasters and companies that are certified fair trade, organic shade grown and rainforest alliance. Be on the look-out for companies who claim their green bean coffee is natural or healthy for they might be commercially grown. Look for any of the certified labels: fair trade, organic, rainforest alliance and shade grown coffee.

I would like note that this article is not intended to encourage one to go on a diet of strictly green bean coffee. It is a newsflash on the subject.

I would also like to further state that a weight loss plan should always include regular exercise and a healthy diet plan. A healthy diet should be a lifestyle and not a fad. I touch on this subject in my article "How to Lose 10 Pounds with a Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan". If you are searching for a healthy diet plan I encourage you to read this Hub.