Chasing the latest interesting beverage is an American tradition that’s here to stay. Fortunately, most of us could do worse than the most recent newcomer, with its host of health benefits!
Green coffee has caused quite a buzz online in recent years, from fanciful Instagram posts to New York startups plying a trade in the new product. But if you haven’t heard about this trend, here’s what you should know about the beverage.
What Is Green Coffee?
Though we think of dark brown beans when we think of coffee, coffee beans are actually green before they’ve been processed. Green coffee, in turn, is the product of these raw, unroasted coffee beans. This type of coffee can be sold as whole beans, or it can be sold as a dietary supplement for weight loss.
Even when roasted, green coffee doesn’t taste much like the black coffee most of us are used to, and the flavors are a little more subtle. For many, the nuances are closer to tea than to traditional coffee.
What Are the Properties of Green Coffee?
This type of coffee has an abundance of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. Though traditionally roasted coffee beans have both of these in small amounts, they don’t compare to the quantities in a cup of green coffee.
In addition, green coffee contains less caffeine than its traditionally roasted cousin. While black coffee can contain 100 mg of caffeine per serving, green coffee boasts only 20mg.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Green Coffee?
In addition to a little less caffeine for your daily intake, drinking green coffee comes with a number of benefits to your health.
Weight Loss
Those interested in losing weight may already be aware of green coffee as a product for weight loss. Some studies suggest that chlorogenic acid may prompt the body to burn glucose and fat, though the effects may be minor and more conclusive evidence is needed.
Anti-Aging Properties
As mentioned above, green tea is high in antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce signs of aging. Even caffeine contains anti-aging properties, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet or decreasing the roughness of the skin.
Also, the anti-oxidants are believed to help fight off free radicals, which may damage your skin. Chlorogenic acids found in green coffee may also help moisturize skin and prevent sagging.
Reducing the Risk of Disease
Chlorogenic acids and antioxidants can both help reduce your risk for certain chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. This, of course, is in addition to the fact that any induced weight loss can help reduce your risk for these diseases as well.
Because green coffee is relatively new on the health scene, more research is still needed to offer conclusive evidence about some of these properties—but the initial studies look promising.
Improved Mood
Green coffee has a high caffeine content, which is responsible for increasing dopamine release. It’s a brain messenger which is said to help enhance mood, brain function, and alertness. Hence, if you’re looking for a mood booster, taking a sip of green coffee can be an excellent idea.
Good For Hair
Drinking green coffee can also provide hair benefits. For instance, the anti-oxidant properties found in green coffee may help promote proper hair growth by making it healthier, shinier, and look more beautiful. Also, green coffee may help prevent hair loss and other related hair problems.
Detoxifier
Aside from anti-oxidants, green coffee has detoxifying properties that can help flush out cholesterol, impurities, and toxins outside your system. So, drinking green coffee can help you strengthen your immune system and boost your overall well-being.
Where Can You Find Green Coffee?
The best coffee production happens in Africa, South America, and Asia, and there may be slight variations in taste based on the location in which the plants were grown. If you’re trying to make the switch from regular coffee, you’ll want to seek a coffee importer that works with a number of different countries to try a variety of beans.
It can also help to seek recommendations from your family or friends or check out some green coffee bean suppliers online to find the best source of green coffee for your needs. With some careful searching, you can even find fair trade, organic, or even decaf varieties depending on your preferences. And once you find a reliable supplier who sources coffee from several grades and origins, you’re ready to roast it your way and enjoy it.
Consider Making the Switch
Whether you want to dial back your caffeine intake or boost your daily levels of antioxidants, green tea may be the way to go. Track down a bag to check out the flavor, and give it a shot from there!
If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, do some research into kratom, a naturally produced plant from South-East Asia with similar properties. It helps with focus, energy, and productivity. Some strains even help with pain and relaxation.”
If you love getting the latest food news and culinary updates, we’ve got the details. Check out our other posts for more insights!