Understanding the role of green coffee extract in weight management

Obesity is a pressing health concern worldwide, linked to various diseases like diabetes, heart issues, and cancer. It's often a result of consuming more calories than the body utilizes, leading to excess fat accumulation. Understanding how fat contributes to obesity is crucial for prevention and treatment. Fat cells, or adipocytes, store and release energy as needed. They also produce hormones that influence metabolism, immune function, and appetite. Managing weight involves various strategies, including the use of supplements such as green coffee extract (GCE).

Polyphenols are the secondary metabolites found in plants that are known to prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress. The glycosylated derivate forms of polyphenols, and chlorogenic acids (CGA) (ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid) are the main polyphenols present in coffee. These compounds are associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and liver disease.

Recently, green coffee beans, containing high levels of CGA, have gained attention for their potential role in weight management. With CGA levels reaching up to 14% on a dry matter basis, these unroasted beans provide a potent source of bioactive compounds that not only aid in weight management but also offer additional health benefits, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. Scientific studies suggest that CGA in green coffee may regulate blood pressure, and glucose metabolism, and even aid in weight loss. Therefore, consumption of green coffee might positively impact conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. As researchers continue to explore the potential benefits of green coffee beans, they emerge as a promising natural ingredient with the potential to aid in weight management and improve overall well-being.

What is a Green Coffee bean?

Green coffee beans are rich in polyphenols, particularly chlorogenic acid (CGA) in comparison to roasted coffee beans. The main classes of chlorogenic acids in green coffee beans are caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA), and feruloylquinic acid (FQA), which account for over 80% of total chlorogenic acids. Chlorogenic acid helps reduce fat absorption in the body and increase metabolism. It has been associated with various potential health benefits, including its ability to help manage hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This explains why green coffee bean extract has gained popularity in the market of functional foods.  Green coffee beans also contain insoluble polysaccharides, non-volatile aliphatic acids, fats, proteins, amino acids, minerals, and lipids (triacylglycerols, tocopherols, sterols). Studies indicate that green coffee bean helps in weight loss, stimulate liver cells to enhance fat metabolism, and reduce fat accumulation without the need to restrict calorie intake. Green coffee extract is available in various forms like liquid, powder, or capsule form. Its dosage varies based on body mass and age. While additional research is required, the green coffee bean extract appears to be safe and an effective way for weight loss.

Roasted and unroasted Green Coffee Beans

The phenolic compounds present in green coffee beans not only possess antioxidant properties but also contribute to the color, flavor, aroma, and formation of derivatives during roasting. While roasting brings out the aromatic characteristics and flavors that are characteristic of brewed coffee, it also leads to a reduction in chlorogenic acid content by up to 95%. As a result, the total content of CGA in commercially roasted coffee varies from 0.5% to 7%. This reduction in chlorogenic acid content is a consequence of the thermal degradation and chemical changes that occur during the roasting process. Also, during roasting, there's a potential for the formation of carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons due to incomplete combustion of organic matter. As a result, while roasted coffee may offer different flavors and aromas, it may have diminished levels of chlorogenic acids compared to its green counterpart. Therefore, a decrease in the radical scavenging capacity of coffee is observed with darker degrees of roasting which proves why green coffee is a better alternative than the roasted one.

The best time to have Green Coffee

Like all other supplements, green coffee is best to consume after meals. Although one can have it at any time of the day, however, it is good to take it after meals to control the blood sugar spikes. Some people prefer to have it after the workout along with their post-workout drink. It is always advisable to consult your healthcare practitioner or Nutritionist before starting a new supplement or regimen.

How to choose the best Green Coffee?

1. The content of Chlorogenic acid:

   The higher the concentration of chlorogenic acid, the better the quality of green coffee. Always check the amount of chlorogenic acid in one serving. Most of the brands in the market do not provide good quality chlorogenic acid, so it's better to check while buying.
   
   

2. Certifications:

   Always check the certification on the green coffee product. Since it is an agricultural product, ensure before buying that the coffee has an Organic certificate. If the product is certified it means that it is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
   
   

3. Third-Party Testing:

   One of the most important parameters while choosing any supplement is to check for third-party testing. One can be confident in the purity and potency of the product if it is tested by a third party.
   
   

4. Recognizing Misleading Health Claims:

   One should be cautious of exaggerated or misleading health claims on the product. Always look for simple, transparent, and realistic information backed by clinical studies. Be aware of the products that make unrealistic promises of rapid weight loss or miraculous results.
   
   

Moreover, females who are pregnant, nursing, or have a known allergy to caffeine should avoid green coffee supplements. Additionally, individuals with anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, or cardiovascular issues should consult a Nutritionist or healthcare provider before introducing green coffee into their daily routine.

References

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