• Green coffee is the best alternative to several weight loss supplements
• Chlorogenic acid retained in this raw form manage to dominate its multiple benefits over caffeine
• Research is still ongoing on its effect on other metabolic functions in humans

August 2, 2017: According to the current trend in which every second person is a fitness fanatic, the search for a healthier yet equally refreshing beverage as coffee has finally stopped on green coffee. Green coffee is nothing but unroasted coffee beans. Coffee beans are roasted to release the flavor and aroma sealed inside the green unroasted beans. Unfortunately roasting coffee beans deprives it with one of the active component, chlorogenic acid. The caffeine content more or less remains similar.

The debate for the need and usefulness of green coffee is based on the foundation of the role of chlorogenic acid in human health. Where some find it as a healthy alternative, others find it no better than a regular caffeine intake brewing in the name of another weight loss supplement. A plethora of companies selling green coffee extracts has currently captured the market. They claim it to be your best friend when it comes to weight loss. Not the coffee but the claim which is at stake is debatable. However, the top brands are reviewed to give a clear picture to the consumers.

After several types of research and studies, green coffee has notably marked its dominance in weight loss. Caffeine is assumed to contribute to cardiovascular diseases, increased blood pressure and increased homocysteine level. On the contrary chlorogenic acid present in the same has shown multiple benefits. Green coffee bean extract may improve glucose metabolism and reduce blood pressure. No wonder it has been endorsed as being able to reduce blood sugar levels and potentially exert an antidiabetic and anti-obesity effect. It also improves the function of the fat burning hormone adiponectin.

Coffee whether roasted or green, raw and grassy is the number one source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are our friends in need. They come to rescue us from the harmful free radicals generated inside the body. Coffee drinkers have a 23-50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and liver cirrhosis. Consuming coffee on a regular basis may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by 32–65%. It has shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Looking at the other side of the coin, green coffee also has several scary side effects such as:

• Insomnia, Nervousness, Restlessness, Upset Stomach, Nausea, Vomiting, Increased heart rate, Increased breathing rate, Headaches, Irregular heartbeats, Diarrhea, Calcium deficiencies, Depression, Fatigue.

• An important issue with Green coffee is shaky evidence on its effect on pregnant women and breast feeding women.

So, people who look forward to switching to green coffee must consult their respective doctors and go for a superior brand.

Bottom Line

The debate is still ongoing but the take home point is green coffee is yet questionable in its efficacy in the long run. But it is still far away in proving its worth in other dimensions of health apart from shreds of evidence of its role in weight loss.

Prepared by Harshi Jaiswal of NewsGram and Intas Biopharmaceuticals.