Ever since green coffee bean extract was touted as a “fat burner that helps you lose weight,” on a famous episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” weight loss aficionados cannot stop raving about this hot supplement.

Oz tested 100 women to decipher the effects of green bean coffee extract. Half of the participants were administered 400 mg of green coffee bean extract half an hour prior to breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the other half were given a placebo. Participants were asked to maintain a food diary and follow a healthy eating regime. At the end of the two-week trial, the placebo group had lost only an average of one pound, while the women who were given the extract showed significantly better weight loss results.

In the wake of the episode, green coffee bean extract took the weight loss industry by storm. While most people consume green coffee in the form of supplements, Starbucks has recently added it as part of a new line of low-calorie drinks, which supposedly provide a “boost of natural energy.”

What Is Green Coffee Bean Extract?

Coffee beans are actually green seeds encapsulated inside a bright red berry. The brown color and aroma we crave about coffee is caused by roasting them. To create green coffee bean extract, the seeds are not roasted. Instead they’re soaked and then concentrated to create the extract.

Why Can’t I Just Drink Regular Coffee?

Roasting bereaves coffee seeds of a compound known as chlorogenic acid. This chemical gives green coffee its invaluable properties, such as regulating post-meal blood sugar levels, curbing food cravings, boosting weight loss, and blocking fat accumulation. However, know that green coffee extract neither smells nor tastes like coffee; a curse for coffee lovers but beneficial for those who don’t enjoy their cup of Joe.

How Well Does It Work For Weight Loss?

Even though the merits of green bean extract extend beyond weight loss, this is the only benefit that most people are interested in.  However, since only a few published studies have examined the extract’s effects on weight loss, we cannot vouch for its effectiveness with certainty.

In recent 22-week study conducted on 16 overweight adults, half the participants were administered 350 mg of green coffee bean extract twice a day, while the other half were given a placebo. Subjects were encouraged to be physically active without any change in their diet. At the end of the research, it was found that every green coffee user had a lower body weight.

In another study conducted on a group of 30 overweight individuals, half the participants consumed green coffee bean extract, while the other half was given regular instant coffee, for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the group consuming green coffee bean extract lost on average 11.9 pounds, while the group consuming plain instant coffee lost on average 3.7 pounds.

Green coffee bean extract promotes weight loss by fighting your body’s fat absorption mechanism and helping the liver to metabolize fat. Green coffee is abundant in Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant, which reduces sugar absorption in the body and prevents blood sugar spikes after meals. Chlorogenic acid also lowers insulin levels to improve metabolic function.

Other Health Benefits Of Green Coffee Bean Extract

Normalizes Blood sugar

Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, green coffee bean extract helps to regulate blood sugar levels. A study conducted in Japan provided conclusive evidence that consuming 140 mg per day of green coffee extract for 12 weeks has the power to reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressures by 3 mmHg and 5 mmHg respectively in mildly hypertensive adults. Green coffee also inhibits the stress hormone cortisol, which is the main culprit behind high blood pressure, and causes other problems such as weight gain.  By keeping blood sugar levels in check, green coffee beans can lower the risk of type two diabetes.

Anti-Aging Properties

As a rich source of antioxidants, Green coffee bean extract has the power to keep the effects of aging at bay. Furthermore, the chlorogenic acid present in the extract decreases wrinkle formation and skin roughness, and keeps your skin hydrated and fresh. Chlorogenic acid also reduces redness due to excessive sunlight exposure. By increasing blood flow to the skin, green coffee bean extract gives you a more even skin tone and radiant complexion. No wonder green coffee bean extract is becoming popular with dermatologists and skincare companies.

Disease Management And Prevention

As a rich source of antioxidants, Green coffee beans fight against the toxic effects of free radicals in the body. These free radicals are the culprit in the development of cancer and other fatal diseases. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2004 concluded that chlorogenic acid contained in green coffee may prevent the proliferation of four kinds of cancer cells, even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Improves Energy Levels, Focus and Mood

According to the American Psychological Association, the caffeine contained in green coffee directly effects athletic, cognitive, and psychomotor performance, blood pressure, and psychological well-being. Other studies show how caffeine can improve respond times, motivation levels, alertness, and attention span.

Lower Risk of Diabetes

Since Green coffee helps lower your blood sugar, it lowers your risks of getting diabetes. According to numerous studies, chlorogenic acid limits the absorption of carbohydrates from the food you consume, which prevents blood sugar spikes and aids you in your weight loss journey. Green coffee also inhibits the production of cortisol, which causes your blood sugar levels to hike. There is another reason why green coffee works better at curbing the symptoms of Diabetes than regular coffee; since it is low in caffeine and high in chlorogenic acid as compared to brown coffee, a study found that drinking three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee enriched with chlorogenic acid every day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30%.

Is It Worth Trying? 

Green coffee bean extract is a pretty new supplement and more human studies are needed before we can make any definitive conclusions about its health benefits. However, so far, the results look promising. Studies have discovered hordes of health benefits from taking it and so far, there haven’t been any negative cases regarding the supplements.