Hi there. As you probably read, GCBE has been shown in multiple studies to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, so it doesn't seem like GCBE would counteract BP medication. That being said, I can't answer this question, and would sincerely recommend consulting a doctor. If you don't have access to a doctor and are adamant about trying GCBE, be sure to start at low doses and track your symptoms, if any.
Hi there. As you probably read, GCBE has been shown in multiple studies to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, so it doesn't seem like GCBE would counteract BP medication. That being said,...
... (more)Thanks for sharing these great insights!
Suzi. I can't speak to the raspberry ketone, but I think your decision to stick with one 800 mg pill is fantastic! Rushing into huge amounts of GCBE dosage is not a good idea, and if you look over the community symptoms in the comments section and the experiences section, you will notice many people have had issues with taking too much too soon. See how your body reacts, and go from there. Also, taking GCBE out of desperation is not a good thing! Make sure you are supplementing it with healthy foods and whatever exercise you can get! That is how it is going to be most effective! Thanks for sharing, let us know how it goes!
Suzi. I can't speak to the raspberry ketone, but I think your decision to stick with one 800 mg pill is fantastic! Rushing into huge amounts of GCBE dosage is not a good idea, and if you look over the...
... (more)Hi there. I am not a doctor, but I would really suggest not using this product until you have clarity. If you don't have access to a doctor, try using HealthTap.com. It is a service that allows you to ask questions directly to doctors, and get a personalized response.
Hi there. I am not a doctor, but I would really suggest not using this product until you have clarity. If you don't have access to a doctor, try using HealthTap.com. It is a service that allows you to...
... (more)Chlorogenic acid, which has been identified as the active ingredient responsible for GCBE's benefits, it indeed a molecular derivative of the cinnamic acid family. However, how this will effect your system is uncertain. Depending on the severity of your allergies to cinnamon, it may be logical to try a small dose, and see if any allergic symptoms arise. If not, try a larger dose, and reassess. If your allergies are severe, I would not try GCBE before seeing a doctor. However, the doctor still might not be able to give you a definite answer, because the body may be allergic to one conformation of cinnamon molecules and not another. Likely it will be trial and error. Always err on the side of caution!
Chlorogenic acid, which has been identified as the active ingredient responsible for GCBE's benefits, it indeed a molecular derivative of the cinnamic acid family. However, how this will effect your...
... (more)You'll definitely want to see a doctor for this, I would suggest not taking GCBE though.
Hi there-
This is a lot of supplements, I bet you'll be hard pressed to find ANY doctor that could say with certainty what is causing your symptoms. I have one suggestion: reduce your dosage of GCBE. Most studies conducted on GCBE used a dosage between 150-500 mg a day, so 1600 mg maybe what is causing this dizziness. Try removing it from your diet, seeing if you feel better, and that re-adding it to your diet at small symptoms. Monitor your symptoms, and increase dosage if you feel normal.
Hi there-
This is a lot of supplements, I bet you'll be hard pressed to find ANY doctor that could say with certainty what is causing your symptoms. I have one suggestion: reduce your dosage of...
... (more)I highly doubt it, but can't say for certain.
Fantastic. Sounds like GCBE is living to the hype, but make sure you are not using it as a flat out substitute for food!
Hi there. As you know, Green Coffee Bean Extract contains caffeine, and caffeine can cause diarrhea if your body is not adjusted. If you do not consume coffee regularly, this may be a reason for this groups common symptoms.
I am curious to know the dosage that you folks are consuming. As I mention in my comment below, most clinical studies on GCBE used between 85-120 mg of extract per day, with the most extreme ranging up to 1050 mg. Patients in these studies did not experience serious side effects. If you are consuming high level doses (>500 mg), I would suggest taking it down a notch, and seeing if your symptoms subside. Too much of any substance too fast will cause chemical imbalances in the body, and these imbalances can then lead to the body functioning abnormally.
Hi there. As you know, Green Coffee Bean Extract contains caffeine, and caffeine can cause diarrhea if your body is not adjusted. If you do not consume coffee regularly, this may be a reason for this...
... (more)Hi there. Though I have not taken GCBE myself, I have done extensive analysis of the limited primary research on the substance. From your description, the dosage of green coffee bean extract you are taking daily is rather alarming. In the majority of human studies, the average does participants take of GCBE is 85-120 mg or so. In the study published in Jan 2012 which really fostered all the hype, patients took at a maximum 1050 mg a day, and 700 mg a day was average. 1600 mg a day far surpasses those numbers, and may be what caused you symptom flare ups on your third day. I would suggest reducing your dosage, and slowly ramping up if you find positive health benefits without side effects. Good luck.
Hi there. Though I have not taken GCBE myself, I have done extensive analysis of the limited primary research on the substance. From your description, the dosage of green coffee bean extract you are...
... (more)GC Beans (blog.lef.org) |
The lack of large-scale human trials on Green Coffee
GC Beans (blog.lef.org) |
Bean CoffeeBean Extract has caused there to be minimal evidence on its potential long-term side effects. Generally, it is thought to be a safe substance.
In human trials, no significant adverse effects have been seen.
Green Coffee Bean Extract has been correlated with weight loss, and as with any other weight loss substance, there is good reason to be cautious. Taking any substance meant for weight loss can have adverse side effects if used irrationally. Before choosing to use GCBE, consult your physician to see if its right for you. (Read More about GCBE & Weight Loss.)
In theory, the caffeine content of GCBE could potentially cause problems for some people. However, since GCBE contains only about 10% caffeine by weight, a high daily dose contains no more than about 20% of the caffeine content of a strong cup of coffee. If you are experiencing adverse symptoms, it is a good idea to research the side effects of caffeine, as this compound may be the reason GCBE is giving you problems.
Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
GC Beans (blog.lef.org) |
The lack of large-scale human trials on Green CoffeeBean Extract has caused there to be minimal evidence on its potential long-term side effects. Generally, it is thought to be a safe substance.
In human trials, no significant adverse effects have been seen.
Green Coffee Bean Extract has been correlated with weight loss, and as with any other weight loss substance, there is good reason to be cautious. Taking any substance meant for weight loss can have adverse side effects if used irrationally. Before choosing to use GCBE, consult your physician to see if its right for you. (Read More about GCBE & Weight Loss.)
In theory, the caffeine content of GCBE could potentially cause problems for some people. However, since GCBE contains only about 10% caffeine by weight, a high daily dose contains no more than about 20% of the caffeine content of a strong cup of coffee. If you are experiencing adverse symptoms, it is a good idea to research the side effects of caffeine, as this compound may be the reason GCBE is giving you problems.
Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Just as black tea is made by processing green tea leaves from their original state, ordinary coffee is made by roasting green coffee beans. This processing alters the chemical makeup of the plant product. In an analogy to the medicinal study of green tea , an extract made from green coffee beans is undergoing increasing investigation as a possible health-promoting supplement.
Like green tea, green coffee bean extracts (GCBE) contains strong antioxidants in the polyphenol family. Polyphenols protect body issues against damage caused by free oxygen radicals, and are found in many foods like tomatoes, apples, chocolate, coffee and tea.
Chlorogenic Acid |
The primary polyphenol antioxidants in green coffee bean extract are in a family known as chlorogenic acids (CGA). Meaningful, if still preliminary, evidence hints that CGA may help reduce blood pressure. Other proposed uses of GCBE are based primarily on its caffeine content, as well as observational studies of ordinary coffee consumption and the possible health benefits of antioxidants in general.
GC Beans (blog.lef.org) |
The lack of large-scale human trials on Green CoffeeBean Extract has caused there to be minimal evidence on its potential long-term side effects. Generally, it is thought to be a safe substance.
In human trials, no significant adverse effects have been seen.
Green Coffee Bean Extract has been correlated with weight loss, and as with any other weight loss substance, there is good reason to be cautious. Taking any substance meant for weight loss can have adverse side effects if used irrationally. Before choosing to use GCBE, consult your physician to see if its right for you. (Read More about GCBE & Weight Loss.)
In theory, the caffeine content of GCBE could potentially cause problems for some people. However, since GCBE contains only about 10% caffeine by weight, a high daily dose contains no more than about 20% of the caffeine content of a strong cup of coffee. If you are experiencing adverse symptoms, it is a good idea to research the side effects of caffeine, as this compound may be the reason GCBE is giving you problems.
Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
GC Beans (blog.lef.org) |
The lack of large-scale human trials on Green CoffeeBean Extract has caused there to be minimal evidence on its potential long-term side effects. Generally, it is thought to be a safe substance.
In human trials, no significant adverse effects have been seen.
Green Coffee Bean Extract has been correlated with weight loss, and as with any other weight loss substance, there is good reason to be cautious. Taking any substance meant for weight loss can have adverse side effects if used irrationally. Before choosing to use GCBE, consult your physician to see if its right for you. (Read More about GCBE & Weight Loss.)
In theory, the caffeine content of GCBE could potentially cause problems for some people. However, since GCBE contains only about 10% caffeine by weight, a high daily dose contains no more than about 20% of the caffeine content of a strong cup of coffee. If you are experiencing adverse symptoms, it is a good idea to research the side effects of caffeine, as this compound may be the reason GCBE is giving you problems.
Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.
Human Studies-
Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.1 Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.
Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.
Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, this study did not use GCBE Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a key compound within GCBE that is thought to have the anti-hypertensive effectsconcentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Recent studies suggest that Green Coffee Bean Extract may have a multitude of health benefits, mainly in dealing with health challenges that stem from oxidative stress (such as heart disease or cancer). The most convincing evidence supports the claim that GCBE may help reduce blood pressure.
The key compound within Green Coffee Bean Extract that is thought to have anti-hypertensive effects is chlorogenic acid, which is apart of the primary polyphenol antioxidants family. in green coffee bean extract are in a family known as chlorogenic acids (CGA). Research evidence indicates that CGA may help reduce blood pressure.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.
Human Studies-
Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.1 Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.
Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.
Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. What makes this study especiallHoweverHowever, this study did not use Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a concentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m^2m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study especially interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Just as black tea is made by processing green tea leaves from their original state, ordinary coffee is made by roasting green coffee beans. This processing alters the chemical makeup of the plant product. In an analogy to the medicinal study of green tea , an extract made from green coffee beans is undergoing increasing investigation as a possible health-promoting supplement.
Like green tea, green coffee bean extracts (GCBE) contains strong antioxidants in the polyphenol family. Polyphenols protect body issues against damage caused by free oxygen radicals, and are found in many foods like tomatoes, apples, chocolate, coffee and tea.
Chlorogenic Acid |
The primary polyphenol antioxidants in green coffee bean extract are in a family known as chlorogenic acids (CGA). Meaningful, if still preliminary, evidence hints that CGA may help reduce blood pressure. Other proposed uses of GCBE are based primarily on its caffeine content, as well as observational studies of ordinary coffee consumption and the possible health benefits of antioxidants in general.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.
Human Studies-
Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.1 Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.
Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.
Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, this study did not use Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a concentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
*Human Studies- *
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)
Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits or detriments is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on health have been conducted. The strongest (but still relatively weak) body of evidence supports GCBE's positive impacts on weight and blood pressure, with some sparse evidence suggesting its benefits as a diabetes treatment. For simplicity, the health challenge addressed by each study is presented in bold before the study’s summary.
Human Studies-
GCBE causes weight loss? |
Weight Loss. A clinical study released in January 2012 showed outstanding results for GCBE’s potential in reducing body weight, and is largely responsible for the current buzz around the product. 16 subjects (8 male/female) with a mean age of 33 years old were studied over the course of 22 weeks. Over the course of the study, subjects consumed a high daily dose (1050 mg), a low-dose (700 mg), and a placebo for three 6-week periods. The results of the study showed an average weight loss of 8.04 kg, a decrease in body mass index by 2.92 kg/m2, a reduction of percent body fat by 4.44%, and a slow down of heart rate by 2.56 beats per minute. At the beginning of the study all 16 participants were classified as overweight, and by the end of the study 6 of those people had entered the normal weight range.
Though promising, it should be noted that the daily dose of 700-1050 mg per day was much higher than other studies, which normally used doses ranging from 180-200 mg/day. With that said, the participants in this study did not experience any adverse side effects.
Weight Loss. A study of 30 individuals with medium to above average weight (BMI 27.5-32.5 kg/m^2) showed GCBE to have a moderately significant impact on weight. Half of the group consumed regular black coffee for 12 weeks (placebo), while the other half drank black coffee fortified with GCBE. The results showed an average weight loss of 5.4 kg for the GCBE group, compared to a 1.4 kg average loss for the placebo group. An additional portion of the study suggested that this weight loss may be due to changes that GCBE causes in intestinal glucose absorption (put simply, it may reduce the amount of sugar we absorb).
Though promising, the previous two studies should be taken with a grain of salt, as both used a small sample size.
GCBE shown to lower Blood Pressure. |
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily. 2 After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement. The finding of dose-relatedness tends to increase the likelihood that a studied treatment is actually effective.
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures4.
Animal Studies-
Hypertension. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) of GCBE caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, the experiment did not actually use GCBE, but rather an active ingredient in the extract that is thought to cause the anti-hypertensive effects. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.
Other. GCBE products are sometimes said to help prevent diabetes; however, this claim derives only from weak evidence involving consumption of ordinary coffee, 1 and cannot be relied upon at all.
Roasted (as opposed to green) coffee beans contain the substances kahweol and cafestol, which appear to increase levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). 2 The fact that GCBE does not contain these substances is used as an argument in its favor. However, these substances remain in the coffee grounds and so they are also not present in standard beverage coffee, so this is probably not a significant point. (Unfiltered or boiled coffee, with the grounds left in, however, may present a risk.)