Weight Loss

Green coffee bean extract makes you slimmer

7 June 2023
Alex Schulz

There's a new player on the scene when it comes to weight loss: green coffee bean extract. No, we're not talking about the beans that have been eaten, digested, and excreted by civet cats, known as Kopi Luwak. No, this is a different story—a story about weight loss and the power of green coffee beans.

What is green coffee bean extract and how is it made?

Green coffee bean extract is derived from unroasted coffee beans of the Coffea Arabica plant. These coffee beans are harvested before they are roasted, which gives them their green color and distinctive flavor. The extract is then obtained by grinding the beans and extracting them with water or a solvent such as ethanol.

During the extraction process, the bioactive compounds in the coffee beans are extracted, including chlorogenic acid and caffeine, both of which are associated with possible health benefits, including weight loss. After the extract is obtained, it is often processed into supplements in the form of capsules, powders, or liquids that can be easily consumed as part of a diet or wellness regimen.

The molecular action of green coffee bean extract

The main bioactive component in green coffee bean extract is chlorogenic acid, which contributes to weight loss in various ways. In this article, we have already written about the effects of chlorogenic acid in coffee. However, green coffee bean extract contains significantly more chlorogenic acid than regular coffee, with some estimates indicating that it can contain up to 50-60% chlorogenic acid compared to only 3-7% in traditionally roasted coffee beans. This high content of chlorogenic acid is believed to be a key factor behind the potential health benefits of green coffee bean extract, including promoting weight loss.

One of the main ways chlorogenic acid can aid in weight loss is by inhibiting the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream after a meal. This is because chlorogenic acid inhibits the activity of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphatase, which is involved in the production of glucose in the liver. By slowing down glucose absorption, chlorogenic acid can help keep blood sugar levels stable and increase fat burning.

Additionally, chlorogenic acid can also stimulate metabolism, which can lead to increased fat burning in the body. This happens because chlorogenic acid increases the activity of certain enzymes involved in the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver. An increased metabolism can result in a higher calorie burn, even at rest, which can contribute to weight loss.

Moreover, chlorogenic acid can reduce fat storage by inhibiting the activity of another enzyme, called lipase. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats in the digestive tract so that they can be absorbed by the body. By reducing the activity of lipase, chlorogenic acid can help decrease the absorption of fats, which can contribute to reduced fat storage and ultimately weight loss.

Examples of research

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of International Medical Research examined the effects of green coffee bean extract on weight loss in obese adults. The results showed that participants who took green coffee bean extract for 12 weeks lost significantly more weight than those who received a placebo.

Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania examined the combination of green coffee bean extract and exercise in overweight people. The results showed that the group that received both the extract and regular exercise lost significantly more weight and showed a greater reduction in body fat compared to the group that only exercised.

Conclusion

Previously, we wrote an article about the positive effect of chlorogenic acid from coffee on metabolism. Green coffee bean extract adds even more to this.

In conclusion, green coffee bean extract shows potential as a natural and effective option for people aiming for weight loss. With its chlorogenic acid and other bioactive compounds, it seems to be a promising supplement that can help boost fat burning and inhibit fat absorption.

And for those who want a more adventurous approach to their coffee consumption, you might consider trying a cup of Kopi Luwak. But be warned: this famous brew might not be for everyone's taste buds!