Myths and truth about green coffee: health or a test of the body's strength?

Green coffee has gained popularity as a drink for people wanting to lose weight. Avid coffee lovers are unlikely to expect the alluring and invigorating aroma of real coffee from this product. The depth of taste is also difficult to assess by analogy with a cup of strong espresso.

Marketers claim that the drink helps in weight loss. Let us say right away that this is indeed the case, but only in the case when we are talking about real grains that have not undergone heat treatment. What is offered in stores and on the Internet today does not always have the properties advertised. The fact is that green coffee does not reach us in fresh form and what we are dealing with are dietary supplements, where the percentage of chlorogenic acid (the very substance that everyone talks so much about) is negligible.

What is green coffee?

Green coffee is not a separate variety of coffee trees. These are regular coffee beans that have not been roasted. Particular attention was paid to green coffee not so long ago, but their popularity is growing every day. The fact is that a drink made from unroasted coffee has its own taste characteristics.

The special taste of green coffee is due to specific processing. After collection, the coffee beans are cleaned, the sweetish pulp is removed and dried. They have a delicate herbaceous aroma and differ from the usual grains in a creamy green or olive color. Adherents of a healthy diet say that raw coffee is healthier than traditional coffee, since the caffeine content in it is extremely low. The concentration of caffeine in coffee increases after roasting.

Features of the chemical composition

Unprocessed coffee beans contain a huge amount of valuable substances. There are more than 800 types of essential oils alone. The total volume of raw coffee accounts for approximately 50% carbohydrates, 10% high-quality vegetable protein. Considering that 100 g of green coffee contains 220 kcal, then by consuming one cup you get about 2 kcal. The product has an extremely low glycemic index - only 40 units.

Of the valuable compounds in green coffee, it is worth highlighting:

• Pectin.
• Fiber.
• Vitamins E, C, PP.
• Tannins.
• Amino acids.
• Caffeine.
• Theophylline.
• Wax.
• Mineral compounds.
• Tocopherols.
• Valuable organic acids.

Together, all these components form a unique complex that has a comprehensive effect on a person - protective, antioxidant, stimulating, tonic. Research has shown that during the roasting process of coffee, a significant portion of the natural compounds are destroyed. This served to popularize green coffee as a healthier product.

[Video] Which coffee has more caffeine? Green or fried? Coffee beans or ground coffee?

How to choose and where to buy

Where to buy green coffee and how not to get scammed? There are many suppliers whose reputation has long been beyond doubt. Fortunately, the popularization of this product has made it inexpensive and accessible.

The second important question is how much it costs and which option is better to choose. Today you can find many types, such as ground with ginger, although it is best to give preference to regular packets of grains. First, you will see that this is the right product. Secondly, whole grains will be most effective, since they retain most of the nutrients

Popular varieties of green coffee

The taste characteristics of green coffee depend on the climatic conditions in which the coffee trees are cultivated. Of all the coffee varieties, the most highly valued are:

• Nicaragua . The species is grown on the southern slopes of the Nicaraguan Highlands. Systematic, rather sharp temperature changes create a special astringency and strength in the grains.
• Brazil . It is preferred by coffee lovers who practice independent, home processing of beans, which involves drying them under special conditions. The finished drink is distinguished by its pronounced strength, rich taste and aroma.
• Kenya AA+ . The most popular African variety, which is characterized by subtle sourness.
• Ethiopia Mocha . It differs from other varieties in its extremely high level of caffeine. It has a light tropical fruit flavor combined with a slight sweetish tint.

Types of green coffee

There are different variations of green coffee available for sale. You can choose a product of one variety or give preference to a certain combination of several. There are blended blends that combine up to 13 different varieties of green coffee.

According to the processing method, they are distinguished:

• Raw green coffee . Unroasted beans retain all valuable compounds, which is why they are especially valued by coffee lovers. This coffee is divided into Premium class, first and second grade. Usually only the highest (Premium) class product is allowed for sale. Separately, it is worth mentioning the Specialty class, which is offered in restaurants and coffee shops. This is green coffee selected in accordance with the highest quality requirements.
• Roasted green coffee beans . A product that has undergone special heat treatment. During roasting, chlorogenic acid breaks down and some of the qualities characteristic of green coffee are lost.
• Ground green coffee . The product is presented in powder form and does not require additional grinding. Suitable for different brewing methods, valued by cosmetologists.
• Granulated green coffee . Coffee granules are a powder that has been spray-dried by aggregation, that is, wetting. Under the influence of high pressure steam, the powder is formed into small granules. Of course, steam treatment under pressure leads to a transformation of the molecular structure of coffee particles and the disappearance of some valuable properties.
• Freeze-dried coffee . The production of the product is based on the freeze-drying method. At the beginning, the coffee extract goes through a stage of rapid freezing at shocking low temperatures. The result is the formation of ice coffee agglomerate. Further vacuum treatment at high temperature helps remove excess liquid. The dry coffee monolith is broken into homogeneous pyramid-shaped crystals.

The most expensive processing for green coffee is sublimation. The high cost of the method is justified by the result - a high-quality product that has all the characteristics of natural coffee.

Beneficial properties of green coffee

The valuable effects of raw coffee are realized thanks to active biochemical compounds. Antioxidants protect against the destructive effects of free radicals and prevent the development of oxidative stress at the cellular level.

Studies confirm that high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent the formation of blood clots and improve blood quality. Amino acids have an immunostimulating effect.

The normal functioning of the nervous system is realized due to phenolic compounds. Restoring neurons and improving the conduction of nerve signals has a beneficial effect during high emotional stress and helps cope with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Due to the low caffeine content, coffee made from raw beans is allowed for people with heart problems. Scientists were able to establish that a drink made from unprocessed fruits normalizes cardiac function by improving myocardial nutrition.

Numerous experiments have shown that green coffee has a number of valuable therapeutic effects:

• Reduces blood glucose concentration.
• Slows down age-related changes in the cells of internal organs.
• Stimulates physical and mental activity.
• Activates skin regeneration processes.
• Increases blood pressure.
• Stimulates overall nutrient metabolism.
• Improves lymph flow.
• Increases the elasticity of vascular walls.
• Suppresses the activity of pathogenic flora in the body.
• Relieves headache attacks.
• Improves intestinal function.
• Promotes the removal of heavy metal salts from the body.
• Suppresses foci of inflammation.

Dermatologists, cosmetologists and trichologists attach particular importance to green coffee. The product is believed to help in getting rid of scars and stretch marks on the skin. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties, fights wrinkles, returns healthy color and tone to the skin. Using raw coffee oil improves hair condition, strengthens it, and gives it shine.

Green coffee for weight loss: myth or reality?

The short answer is: no way. Of course, there is an army of specialists who claim the opposite, but these are just words not supported by research. Why did such a myth appear? Let's figure it out together.

Green coffee contains a high concentration of chlorogenic acid. They began to talk about it after the publication of a meta-analysis (the study has now been retracted). According to this study, chlorogenic acid significantly affects the absorption of glucose entering the body with food. When taking chlorogenic acid extract, a decrease in blood sugar levels by 24% is observed after 30 minutes. After two hours, the same figure is 31%. Such effects were not recorded in the control samples.

The body responds to an increase in sugar by actively producing insulin, a hormone that provokes the formation of fatty acids. They are the ones that are deposited in fat cells. The more often blood sugar rises, the more insulin is synthesized, the faster the fat depot is formed and the person’s weight increases.

The study of chlorogenic acid has shown that it can be considered as a promising substance that can lower blood glucose levels and regulate metabolic processes in the body. However, the data obtained is not enough to make clear conclusions about the effectiveness of weight loss. It’s safe to say that chlorogenic acid alone does not affect weight and will not help you get rid of extra pounds. Weight loss always requires a comprehensive approach.

In the context of chlorogenic acid content, it is a mistake to consider only green coffee as the only source.

This component can be obtained by consuming:

• Eggplant.
• Potatoes.
• Sunflower seeds.
• Chicory.
• Blueberries.
• Apples.

Marketers know very well that a new product with an exotic name arouses increased consumer interest. Give it magical properties, promise the effect of unprecedented weight loss and that's it - get ready for mind-blowing sales.

It cannot be said that manufacturers often undertake falsified research. For a fee, the necessary results of mythical experiments are prescribed, published on the Internet and misleading people.

Applied Food Sciences resorted to similar tricks, for which it was fined $3.5 million by the US Federal Trade Commission. It turned out that only 16 people took part in the study of the properties of the manufactured product. Any scientist will say that such a number of subjects is not enough to obtain valid results. In addition, the organizers of the experiment concealed that most of the subjects were withdrawn from the study due to the occurrence of negative somatic symptoms.

Subsequent attempts to prove the effect of green coffee on weight loss did not bring the expected results. In addition, scientists have concluded that the amount of drink should not exceed 3-4 cups per day.

Green coffee with ginger is a killer combination

If the beans of the exotic coffee tree began to be used for weight loss not so long ago, then the properties of ginger were known even BC. Green with ginger for weight loss is one of the best possible combinations, but overdoing it is very dangerous.

It is important to understand that despite the mild effect, these are quite powerful natural fat burners, so if you can drink coffee 3 to 5 times a day, then you only need to combine grains with ginger once a day! Otherwise, you may encounter some side effects, due to which you will have to interrupt weight loss for a certain period.

Possible harm and contraindications

Doctors recommend following the rule of moderation when drinking green coffee.

Exceeding the safe dose (no more than 4 cups per day) can cause unpleasant symptoms:

• Headache.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Cardiopalmus.
• Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Insomnia.
• Nervousness, irritability.

It is a mistake to believe that green coffee is an absolutely safe drink that everyone can drink.

The drink is contraindicated for children under 14 years of age and people with a history of the following diseases:

• Hypertension.
• Glaucoma.
• Osteoporosis.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Problems with blood clotting.

If a person suffers from a stomach ulcer or gastritis, he should stop drinking coffee during the period of exacerbation of these conditions.

It is also worth mentioning that green coffee is contraindicated for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Weight Loss Control

The weight loss process should be carefully monitored. A loss of 6-7 kg in a week is already a signal of the wrong approach to the weight loss process. Such a rapid rate of weight loss indicates a disruption in the normal functioning of the body.

The opinion of nutritionists agrees on minus 5 kg per month and the first noticeable results after a couple of weeks with regular consumption of green coffee.

Green coffee in nature

How to drink green coffee?

Gastroenterologists recommend drinking freshly brewed green coffee a quarter of an hour before a meal or 30 minutes after it. It is better if you do not use sweeteners when cooking.

Combining a cup of green coffee with a cigarette or any alcohol leads to a sharp increase in blood cholesterol. It is important to remember that the active components of coffee enhance the effects of nicotine and ethanol.

If you consider yourself a coffee lover, be sure to include large portions of fish, cheeses, and dairy products in your diet. This measure will compensate for the loss of minerals washed out of the body.

Green coffee is a natural diuretic. To replenish the fluid excreted by the kidneys, you should drink a sufficient amount of clean, still water.

"Stop signal" of excess weight

Freshly brewed green coffee beans are truly an indispensable product in the diet for those who strive to achieve their “cherished shape”. The unique component composition of the plant allows you to speed up metabolism in the body as a whole, and also provokes increased burning of excess subcutaneous fat.

Thanks to the “green” drink, fat burning processes in the body occur without harm to overall health. The body is not exposed to stress; on the contrary, coffee beans have a special property of dulling the feeling of hunger, which helps you plan your diet wisely and learn to distinguish physical hunger from the desire to simply “starve a worm.”

Having included a healthy plant product in your daily menu, do not forget that any diet requires an integrated and responsible approach to business. The “miracle of weight loss” will not happen if you do not support the weight loss process with physical activity and attention to other foods consumed during the day.

Green coffee recipes

Whether to roast green coffee or not is a matter of taste. For brewing, you can use a Turk, French press or geyser coffee maker.

If you decide to pre-roast green coffee, you should know the main steps of this process:

• Prepare a dry cast-iron frying pan, heat it up and pour in the grains. At first they will acquire a light yellow tint and begin to exude a delicate herbaceous aroma.
• The appearance of smoke will indicate the beginning of evaporation of water from the coffee.
• A crackling sound will indicate the beginning of the active caramelization stage. At this stage of roasting, coffee sugars are broken down and essential oils are released. The longer caramelization lasts, the darker the color the beans acquire.
• Repeated crackling indicates that the roast has reached its maximum. At this time, pieces may break off from the coffee beans and scatter far beyond the frying pan.
• Removing coffee from heat. It is better to turn off the stove in advance, as the processes in the coffee will continue for some time.

Green coffee in Turkish

Cold water is poured into the cezve and placed on fire. When the water warms up well, add a couple of teaspoons of finely ground coffee into it. The turk is heated over low heat until foam appears. Remove the coffee from the heat, wait until the foam settles and put it back on the stove. Once the foam forms again, the coffee is ready for drinking.

Green coffee in French press

The French press flask is rinsed with hot water. Coarsely ground green coffee is poured into a heated container and filled with hot water, not boiling water. The contents of the French press are mixed well and covered with a lid. After 3-5 minutes the coffee is ready. It is important to remember that the longer the drink is infused, the stronger it will be. The press filter is lowered and the coffee is poured into cups preheated with boiling water.

Green coffee with cardamom

The combination of coffee and cardamom helps to cope with emotional stress and tidy up the nervous system. The drink refreshes your head, puts your thoughts in order and calms you down.

To make coffee, take one tablespoon of ground green beans, mix with 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom and pour into a pot. This amount of coffee requires 150 ml of water. Turku is kept on low until the first foam.

Green coffee with mint

A rather strange, at first glance, combination of components gives unusual flavor notes. As a first experiment, you can brew green coffee in the usual way, pour the finished drink into a warmed cup and garnish with a mint sprig.

If mint coffee is to your liking, move on down the barista route. Pour some sugar into the Turk and keep it on low heat for a couple of minutes until it melts. Add three tablespoons of ground green coffee and a vanilla stick. Fill the contents of the Turk with cold water and put on fire. While stirring, wait for the first foam to appear. Remove the Turk from the heat, pause for a minute and heat again until a foamy cap forms.

Place one mint leaf at the bottom of the cups and pour the finished drink. If you like the taste of mint, you can first grind the mint leaf with a spoon.

Green coffee and ginger

Ginger coffee is a refreshing, tonic drink, characterized by sharp flavor notes and a pleasant invigorating aroma. According to your taste preferences, brew green coffee as usual. Drop a little water tincture of ginger into the finished drink. If you want to use fresh ginger, first chop a small amount with a knife. Mix the resulting mass with ground coffee and cook in the traditional way until foam appears.

Are there any contraindications for use?

Despite the wide range of beneficial properties of green coffee, there are a number of contraindications to its use for a group of certain people:

• Women who are pregnant or undergoing breastfeeding;
• Small children;
• People with serious illnesses;
• In case of individual intolerance to a particular type of coffee herb, in order to avoid the occurrence of an allergic reaction of the body to the product;
• People suffering from chronic insomnia.

It is worth remembering that excessive consumption of any product, even natural and “medicinal” ones, can lead to negative consequences. In the case of green coffee - dehydration of the body. Thus, it is not recommended to introduce a “green” drink into your diet if your usual diet is based on a salt-free diet.

Green coffee in cosmetology

Cosmetologists often use essential oil of green coffee beans. It is added to creams, tonics, face and body masks to enrich the composition with valuable antioxidants and nutrients.

Regular use of enriched products allows you to achieve excellent cosmetic results:

• Skin cleansing.
• Renewal of superficial epidermal cells.
• Moisturizing and nourishing dry skin.
• Smoothing out wrinkles.
• Hair strengthening.
• Relaxing massage effect.

At home, in a few minutes, you can carry out cosmetic procedures that are not inferior in effectiveness to expensive salon sessions.

Hair strengthening mask. Prepare 10 parts of your favorite hair conditioner and 1 part green coffee oil. Mix the ingredients and apply to the scalp with light massage movements. Wrap your head in a towel for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your hair well with warm water.

Coffee face scrub. Take a tablespoon of ground green coffee, mix with two tablespoons of sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face, massage along the massage lines and wash with heated water.

For those with oily or combination skin, it is better to use low-fat natural yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nourishing face mask. Prepare equal amounts of olive and coffee oil and stir. Soak a soft cloth in the resulting mixture. Place the napkin on your face and lie there for about 15 minutes. After removing the napkin, rinse your face with warm water.

If you perform this mask 2-3 times a week, the skin will acquire a healthy, radiant appearance, tone and elasticity will return to it.

Massage with green coffee oil. Green coffee oil is used for massage in its pure form or in oil compositions. For example, to achieve the most relaxing effect, prepare:

• 50 ml green coffee oil.
• 3 drops of lemon oil.
• 4 drops of orange oil.
• 2 drops of mint, green tea or bergamot oil.

All components are mixed. The mixture is heated in the palms and massage is performed with light movements.

Positive properties of green grains

Due to its chemical composition, green coffee brings many benefits to the body. The increased content of antioxidants and microelements promotes a tonic effect. Chlorogenic acid helps actively fight extra pounds, cellulite, fungal diseases, and cleanses blood vessels. It has a pronounced antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. Green coffee extract is used to strengthen hair and elasticity of skin.

Useful qualities are manifested only if the product is properly collected, stored and prepared. If the technology is violated, all declared properties are lost.

By properly preparing and consuming the drink, observing proportions and a sense of proportion, you can achieve the following results:

• Increased performance and physical endurance. Energy is directed in the right direction thanks to increased production of adenosine. It relieves nervous tension from cells.
• Increasing blood pressure in case of persistent hypotension due to the normalization of cerebral blood vessels.
• Stimulation of metabolic processes and the production of gastric secretions. Coffee is contraindicated in this case for patients with gastrointestinal problems.

These effects will appear if the daily norm is not exceeded. In case of overdose, a negative effect and unpleasant consequences for the body may occur.