What Is Green Coffee? Other Names: Arabica Green Coffee Beans, Café Marchand, Café Verde

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    8 min read

    What is Green Coffee?

    This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Green coffee refers to the unroasted seeds of the Coffea plant, which are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly chlorogenic acids. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, distinguishing green coffee from its roasted counterpart. Other names include: Arabica Green Coffee Beans, Café Marchand, Café Verde, Café Vert, Coffea arabica, Coffea arnoldiana, Coffea bukobensis, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica, Coffea robusta, Extrait de Café Vert, Extrait de Fève de Café Vert, Fèves de Café Vert, Fèves de Café Vert Arabica, Fèves de Café Vert Robusta, GCBE, GCE, Green Coffee Beans, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Green Coffee Extract, Green Coffee Powder, Poudre de Café Vert, Raw Coffee, Raw Coffee Extract, Robusta Green Coffee Beans, Svetol.

    Composition and Health Benefits of Green Coffee

    Green coffee is notably higher in phenolic compounds compared to roasted coffee, which contributes to its health-promoting properties. The chlorogenic acids present in green coffee are associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects . These properties make green coffee a popular choice for those seeking natural health supplements.

    Cardiovascular Health

    Research has shown that moderate consumption of green coffee can positively impact cardiovascular health. A study demonstrated that a blend of green and roasted coffee significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in hypercholesterolemic individuals, while also improving plasma antioxidant capacity and reducing blood pressure. These findings suggest that incorporating green coffee into the diet may help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.

    Metabolic and Glycemic Effects

    Green coffee has also been studied for its effects on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Long-term consumption of a green/roasted coffee blend has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting glucose levels, which are critical factors in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) . Additionally, green coffee extract supplementation has been found to improve glycemic indices and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM, further supporting its role in metabolic health.

    Liver Health and Antioxidant Activity

    The antioxidant properties of green coffee extend to liver health, where it has been shown to protect against hepatotoxicity. In animal studies, green coffee methanolic extract demonstrated protective effects against liver damage induced by toxic substances, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. This protective effect is attributed to the high antioxidant content of green coffee, which helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

    Weight Management

    Green coffee is often marketed for its weight management benefits. Studies have indicated that green coffee phenols may aid in reducing body weight and body fat percentage, although results can vary. The combination of green coffee with other compounds, such as oat β-glucans, has been explored for enhanced effects on appetite and satiety, although more research is needed to confirm these benefits .

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    Adverse Effects of Green Coffee

    Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: While some studies suggest that green coffee can reduce blood pressure, it is important to note that caffeine, a component of green coffee, can potentially increase heart rate and blood pressure in sensitive individuals .

    Gastrointestinal Issues: Consumption of green coffee may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, due to its high chlorogenic acid content.

    Allergic Reactions: As with any plant-based supplement, there is a risk of allergic reactions, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, or more severe symptoms in sensitive individuals.

    Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: Green coffee has been shown to affect glucose metabolism, which might be beneficial for some but could pose risks for individuals with certain metabolic conditions if not monitored properly .

    Kidney Function: While green coffee has shown protective effects against certain types of kidney damage in animal studies, its impact on human kidney function, especially in those with pre-existing conditions, requires careful consideration.

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    How has Green Coffee Improved Patient Outcomes?

    Improvements in Metabolic Health

    Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): GCE supplementation has been found to improve serum lipid profiles, reduce body mass index (BMI), and decrease fasting blood glucose levels in patients with NAFLD. However, it did not significantly affect liver enzymes or adiponectin levels .

    Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): In patients with T2D, GCE has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) . It also improved lipid profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reducing triglycerides.

    Metabolic Syndrome: GCE has been effective in reducing systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. It also helped decrease waist circumference and appetite.

    Cardiovascular Health

    Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure: Regular consumption of green coffee has been associated with reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides. It also improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.

    Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

    Lipid Profile: In women with PCOS, GCE supplementation led to significant reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, although it did not significantly affect glycemic indices or insulin resistance .

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    Green Coffee Mechanisms of Action

    Antioxidant Activity: Green coffee exhibits strong antioxidant properties, which help protect against oxidative stress and damage in the body. This is particularly beneficial in protecting liver tissues from toxins, as demonstrated in studies with rats where green coffee extract improved liver function and reduced oxidative markers.

    Vasoreactivity and Blood Pressure: The chlorogenic acid in green coffee influences nitric oxide production, which improves vasoreactivity and can lead to antihypertensive effects. This has been observed in both animal and human studies, where green coffee extract improved blood vessel function and reduced blood pressure .

    Metabolic Regulation: Green coffee affects metabolic pathways by increasing the expression of PPARα and PPARγ genes, which are crucial in regulating lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This action helps in managing metabolic syndrome by reducing blood glucose, triglycerides, and improving HDL cholesterol levels .

    Weight Management: Green coffee has been shown to reduce visceral fat and body weight, likely due to its influence on metabolic parameters and appetite regulation. It can enhance the expression of adiponectin, a hormone involved in fat metabolism, and reduce inflammatory markers .

    Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of green coffee can improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and enhancing antioxidant capacity. These effects contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases .

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    Common Complaints Associated with Green Coffee Use

    Digestive Issues: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, green coffee, like other caffeinated beverages, can potentially cause digestive discomfort such as stomach upset or acid reflux due to its caffeine content.

    Caffeine-Related Effects: Green coffee contains caffeine, which can lead to common caffeine-related side effects such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, or insomnia, especially in individuals sensitive to caffeine.

    Taste and Palatability: Green coffee is noted to have less acceptable organoleptic properties compared to roasted coffee, which might be a complaint for those who are accustomed to the taste of traditional coffee .

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    Disclaimer

    The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.

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