Is Green Coffee the New Weight Loss Cheat Code?

In case you are part of the few people who have no idea about green coffee, here’s a little intro. Coffee has been the source of a long running debate that might never be put to rest. Coffee drinkers versus non-drinkers and the health status of both have been studied over and over again, with lots of occasionally conflicting results. Meanwhile, the occasional coffee drinkers remain on the fence of indifference sipping a sweet, cream-laden latte. What if we could bring in something to tip ‘your’ opinion either way? Here comes ‘Green Coffee’.

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Regular coffee is made from ground roasted coffee beans, which is why they are so dark and have the burnt taste going. Green coffee is simply the fresh unroasted coffee beans. This brew has been touted as the best thing to happen to weight-loss since the word was invented.  Green coffee as a weight loss supplement became popular after featuring on Dr Oz show. But now, a lot of controversy is trailing the safety of green coffee.

Why Green Coffee ?

Coffee beans contain something called chlorogenic acid. This compound is believed to have anti-oxidant and blood pressure lowering effects. This same compound is responsible for the weight-loss effect of coffee.

But roasting coffee beans reduces the chlorogenic acid content of the beans. That’s why regular coffee doesn’t give the same effect as green coffee is celebrated for. Green coffee extracts are sold in pills and in other forms all round the world. A typical dose entails between 150 and 400mgs a day. a single dose is between 65 and 185mgs.

How True is The Weight Loss Claims?

Now, the important part, does green coffee actually live up to its weight loss claims?

A study carried out with some coffee drinkers, half of which had regular coffee, and the other half took green coffee supplemented brews. After a period of 12 weeks those on the supplemented coffee had lost 3 times more weight than those on regular coffee. This study ensured that no diets or other weight-loss measures were introduced by any of the participants. Unfortunately, the studies are quite few and the scope is limited. More studies need to be carried out to back these claims.

The proponents of green coffee say that it slows down the absorption of carbs and sugar. It helps to burn fat and also suppress the diet. But the claims that you can lose and maintain weight without any other lifestyle changes makes people cautious.

Although, a lot of consumers have great reviews of the supplement, they might not have enough evidence to back up the use.

Side Effects

Just like regular coffee, green coffee contains caffeine. And this means people suffer the same side-effects that come with caffeine consumption. Some of the common effects of caffeine include;

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• High levels of homocysteine which is often associated with heart problems.
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• Effects on blood sugar processing
• Headache
• Ringing ears
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Osteoporosis; caffeine increases the digestion of calcium and this can be problematic for those with a pre-existing condition.
• Bleeding disorders made worse

Caution

Over time, since this weight-loss product hit the shelves, various people have been called to question over their claims on green coffee. Dr. Oz who is the first popular person to espouse the use of coffee as a weight-loss tool has also been questioned by U.S Senators. The caution is simply due to the inadequacy of scientific evidence.

Even though its sold as a natural supplement, green coffee is sold not in the natural state but as a supplement that is been combined with other unnatural ingredients. If you want to try this supplement, be sure to check the product to be sure its from a valid company. Make sure the producers aren’t being accused of any wrong additions. Also try to consult with your doctor if you are on any drugs or supplements.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also cautioned against trying this until enough science is there to support its safety for kids.

Endnote

At the end of the day, as much as we might want to lose weight, everyone needs to be pretty cautious. Carry out some research on the green coffee and be pretty cautious about usage. People who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and certain other conditions should consult their doctors before use.

Caffeine in green coffee, though less pronounced than in regular, could react with some medication. This is why it is necessary to be quite sure about the possible reactions before use.