Green coffee: benefits and harm to the body

The green fruits of the coffee plant are ordinary beans that are not cooked. In some cases, to obtain such a product, the drying step is also excluded. The result is coffee that has a different appearance, a different aroma and flavor.

Those who are used to drinking a drink made from dark beans with a pleasant smell are unlikely to like the look and aroma of green coffee, because by smell this product resembles mold.

Coffee made from green fruits is characterized by different properties in comparison with a drink familiar to everyone. First of all, it is worth noting the unpleasant taste and aromatic properties of green grains. However, recently this product is gaining popularity. This is due to the fact that green cocoa beans have a number of positive qualities.

Types of Green Coffee

Today, the main suppliers of green coffee are countries such as India, Colombia, Brazil. There are several types of this product.

One of the varieties of green fruits is raw, not fried green beans. Such grains are not roasted. This type of coffee contributes to weight loss. This is due to the presence of chlorogenic acid in the product, which is destroyed during the roasting process. This compound leads to the breakdown of fats in the intestine, as a result of which its entry into the bloodstream is prevented.

There are regular, roasted grains of green coffee. They undergo a certain heat treatment, as a result of which a number of useful qualities of the product are lost. Since when frying, the substances in the composition of coffee fruits begin to turn into other components. So, for example, when exposed to high temperatures, chlorogenic acid is destroyed, due to which the green type of coffee becomes popular.

However, this type of coffee is also characterized by certain advantages. The main thing here is to properly conduct the process of roasting grains, since not only the taste and aromatic properties, but also the presence of useful substances in it depend on the degree of this process.

Heat treatment at home can be done in a pan or with an oven. The disadvantage of this self-processing is that it is difficult for an inexperienced person to determine the degree of readiness of the beans. Indeed, in this case, the middle of the grains should be fried, but at the same time, the outer part of the fruit should not burn.

Ground coffee is another type of green coffee. It can be purchased in the store ready-made or chopped by yourself. The finished powdery mass can be used to make a tasty drink or use it as an ingredient for preparing a mixture with anti-cellulite, cleansing and regenerating properties.

To make such a drink, you need to pour two teaspoons of ground coffee with a glass of boiled water and leave for five minutes. Before drinking coffee, you can strain.

Instant granulated coffee from green fruits is obtained by spray drying during aggregation. During this treatment, the powder is wetted to obtain granules. After that, under high pressure, the coffee powder is collected by steam into small lumps - granules. Such manipulations lead to a change in the molecular structure of coffee fruits, some healing properties are lost.

There is also a freeze-dried green product, for the manufacture of which the so-called “freeze-drying” method is used. In this case, the instant coffee extract undergoes rapid freezing at low temperature values. The result is an ice coffee concentrate. Further, by means of vacuum and high temperatures, as well as using the hood, excess liquid is eliminated. After that, an almost dry monolith of coffee beans is divided into crystals of the same size. This kind of coffee has a high cost due to numerous technological processes.

Composition and calorie content

The coffee tree contains more than 1000 active compounds. Interestingly, during the processing, processing and preparation of beans, the chemical composition of green coffee does not change.

1. A small concentration of caffeine was found in the green product compared to a regular black drink. This substance helps increase mental and physical activity, helps relieve fatigue, speeds up metabolic processes, stimulates the activity of the cardiovascular system, and also eliminates cramping.
2. Green coffee contains tannin, which acts as a protective shell against various negative factors, both external and internal. This substance strengthens the walls of blood vessels, leads to their narrowing, neutralizes bacteria and helps wound healing. In addition, tannin restores the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and also prevents the development of symptoms of poisoning.
3. Amino acids in the composition of green coffee fruits provide the full development and maintenance of all body functions. The substance promotes the absorption of vitamins and mineral elements, the synthesis of antibodies that help counteract various viruses and bacteria. In addition, amino acids are involved in the production of hormones, hemoglobin. Also, the substances of this group are characterized by the ability to destroy subcutaneous fat, suppress appetite.
4. The lipids contained in green coffee are responsible for the production of a number of hormones that ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system.
5. Thanks to tannins, coffee acquires its characteristic astringency. In combination with acids of organic origin, tannins accelerate material metabolism and contribute to a decrease in blood glucose.
6. Fiber is responsible for the normal microflora in the intestines, ensures the elimination of "bad" cholesterol from the body, and also leads to a natural decrease in body weight. Fiber also improves blood circulation in the vessels of the pelvis, regulates the activity of the genitourinary system, and improves digestion.
7. Also in the composition of green coffee there are essential oils that regulate the functioning of the cardiovascular system, help soften the cough, providing an increase in the process of discharge of sputum from the bronchi.
8. Of the vitamins in coffee, representatives of group B were found, as well as E, C and PP. Organic acids are citric, oxalic and acetic.
9. Minerals such as K, Fe, Mg are also present in green coffee. A sufficient amount contains Ca, Na and Zn.
10. In addition, the carbohydrate portion of green grains is represented by cellulose, pectins and multimolecular saccharides.

The calorie content of green coffee is 220 kcal per 100 g of beans.

What is green coffee good for?

General benefit

1. The main useful property of a drink made from green coffee fruits is the activation of the metabolism, which leads to a decrease in centimeters at the waist. Moreover, this is ensured not only by burning body fat, but also by the ability to suppress appetite and reduce hunger.
2. The benefit of the product is manifested in the ability to normalize blood pressure, improve the central nervous system. Such a drink allows you to establish the functioning of the intestine and eliminate edema by removing excess fluid from the body.
3. The rich composition of green cocoa beans helps to increase the overall tone of the body, has a calming effect on the nervous system, and has a positive effect on the organs of the respiratory system.
4. The widespread use of green fruits in the medical and cosmetic fields. Oil based on these fruits treats burns, eliminates stretch marks and scars, fights with orange peel, and also strengthens and stimulates hair growth.

As already mentioned, the benefits of green coffee is the content of chlorogenic acid. So, in a liter of such a drink may contain up to 800 mg of this substance. It is able to reduce the rate of absorption of carbohydrates by the blood and prevents the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. In addition, chlorogenic acid has an antioxidant effect, that is, it can protect the body from free radicals, the penetration of which into the cell provokes the development of tumor diseases.

For women

For women, green coffee is useful in that it is widely used in the field of cosmetology. However, in this case, the benefit may not be a drink prepared on the basis of grains, but natural oil for external use. Green cocoa butter will help get rid of even old scars. To do this, you need to regularly rub oil into problem areas after a shower. Also, this tool can be used for hair growth. Dry skin can be moistened with a mask using a green coffee tree product.

To get rid of cellulite, it is recommended to wrap with crushed grains that are pre-steamed with boiling water. This property is characteristic only for the green type of coffee. Black drink is useless in this regard.

For men

Minor doses of caffeine contained in green cocoa beans stimulate the intimate life of the male half of humanity, potency and spermatogenesis. But at the same time, it should be remembered that caffeine can cause a decrease in the level of testosterone in the body of a man. Therefore, although the effect of caffeine in the body does not last long, it is not recommended to abuse such a drink. The optimal dose is two to three cups of coffee per day. It is important that the product is natural.

During pregnancy

During the period of gestation, it is better to completely exclude products containing caffeine from the diet, or at least minimize the use of such products, among which there is green coffee. After all, this substance negatively affects the development of the fetus, since it removes calcium from the body. Also, coffee can cause an increase in blood pressure, which worsens the condition of a pregnant woman.

A number of studies have shown that the use of caffeine can cause a variety of pathologies in a child, especially the cardiovascular system. In addition, scientists have proved that coffee, regardless of variety, during pregnancy increases the likelihood of fetal death in the womb.

Caffeine contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels, which provokes oxygen starvation of the baby, in addition, in this case, nutrients come in small quantities. This can lead to a very small birth weight. Abuse of this drink by pregnant women leads to the fact that the teeth begin to erupt later, growth rates remain low.

It should also be noted that caffeine increases the heart rate, leads to uterine tone.Therefore, a miscarriage may occur. To quench your thirst, a future mother is recommended to use juices, compote or regular mineral water.

When breastfeeding

Lactating women, like pregnant women, should exclude green coffee from their diet. During lactation, coffee can cause sleep disturbances in the child, frequent mood changes, anxiety. Caffeine can also help accelerate kidney function, which leads to dehydration.

It is important to know that caffeine remains in the baby's body until four months after his birth. If a woman consumes coffee uncontrollably during pregnancy or lactation, the baby may develop caffeine addiction.

For children

The most suitable age for giving your child to drink coffee is 15–16 years old, and then no more than two cups per day. The child's body in this case is already strong enough to fully absorb caffeine. If the child wants to try coffee earlier, you can give him a cup a day, starting from the age of ten. But even in this case, it is recommended to make it weak and mix with milk or cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Instead of coffee, you can use cocoa.

Even a weak drink can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and fever. If any symptoms appear, it means that the child has an individual intolerance or a disruption of the digestive tract. Children should not be given a coffee drink in the morning, especially on an empty stomach. It is also not recommended to offer coffee after a hearty dinner.

When losing weight

The use of green coffee beans for weight loss became popular after studies were conducted in one of the states of America. At the same time, groups of overweight people consumed green coffee every day. Three weeks later, all participants lost an average of 7 kg. For some, this weight loss rate was 5% of total body weight.

In order for the use of green fruits to be effective, the drink should be consumed between main meals in an amount of not more than 200 ml. The average amount of coffee drunk per day should not exceed 0.6 liters.

Drink this coffee every day until you get the desired result. Despite the fact that the drink reduces the absorption of fat, you still do not need to give up exercise.

Green coffee oil: benefits and applications

Green coffee bean oil is much more effective than the analog of roasted beans, as it contains more caffeine, fruit acids and carbohydrates, which contribute to the synthesis of elastin. Such an oil is a viscous consistency liquid that has a brown or green-brown color and a tart aroma. This product is obtained by cold pressing the green fruits of a coffee tree. This substance has a light texture, which ensures good absorption in the upper layers of the dermis, without clogging the pores.

Oil made from green coffee beans can be used as an independent tool, which is designed to moisturize the body. You can also add this oil to various anti-cellulite creams in a ratio of 1: 1. Due to the content of hyaluronic acid in this product and a large list of vitamins, it is able to moisturize the skin for a long time.

Green coffee bean oil is a natural product that protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, if you mix it with lavender or ylang-ylang essential oil, you will get an excellent sunscreen.

This oil can be used to lubricate nails and hands twice a day. The shelf life of the oily green coffee extract is two years, and it should be stored in a dark place at room temperature.

Coffee bean oil is a source of caffeine and tannins, which have a stimulating effect on the human body.

The product is suitable for oily and combination skin types. To prepare a face mask, you need to mix two tablespoons of the fat component with a few drops of this oil.Apply the resulting mixture to the skin for 10-15 minutes. You can use soaked wipes, which are superimposed on the face.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many useful qualities, green coffee still has some contraindications. If you abuse this product, side effects may occur.

1. Since caffeine stimulates the nervous system, frequent consumption of green coffee can lead to depletion of nerve cells.
2. As already mentioned, such components of green fruits as caffeine and tannin increase blood pressure, so the drink should not be consumed by patients with hypertension.
3. It is also not recommended to drink green coffee with arrhythmias, since tannin increases the strength of the heartbeat, which can cause an attack.
4. Also, the drink contributes to the synthesis of gastric juice, therefore, it is contraindicated in people with heartburn, ulcers and various inflammatory diseases of the stomach, since the acid irritates the mucous membrane and causes an attack.

Green coffee is contraindicated for those who have a tendency to thrombosis, since tannin can increase blood coagulation.

Chlorogenic acid in the composition of the product inhibits the absorption of iron, so when taking iron-containing preparations, you should refuse to use coffee from green beans.

Like black coffee, a green drink has an exciting effect on the central nervous system, so you should not drink it with pathologies of the nervous system. In children under 14 years of age, the nervous system is not yet fully formed, therefore, they should not take such a drink, as the result may be anxiety, stress, sudden mood swings.

How to choose and store

Green coffee is commercially available in the form of beans and ground. If you intend to purchase products for roasting at home to the right degree, you need to buy grains of this product. If coffee will be used to reduce weight, it is necessary to take a ground product. Grinding green fruits is very difficult, you can even break the blender, so it is better not to spoil your technique.

When choosing green coffee, it is important to buy goods in trusted stores where the buyer will not be deceived. The spoilage of the fruit of the coffee tree is indicated by direct signs when traces of rot and pollution are visible on the grains.

The conditions for storing green beans are not as severe as for a processed product. You can pour the grains into containers with a sealed lid and store at a temperature of 20 degrees, this will not affect the useful qualities.

How to brew green coffee

To prepare green coffee, you can use the coffee pot, Turku, special French press and coffee maker.

To get a drink from green fruits in a coffee pot, you need to fill the device with water and put on the stove. When the liquid is about to boil, remove it from the heat and add coffee there. Then mix and insist for a few minutes. After that, the finished drink can be poured into pre-warmed cups.

To brew coffee in a Turk, you need to heat the container with cold water, but not until the liquid boils. Next, add a couple of teaspoons of ground green fruits to the Turk and cook over low heat. It is necessary to remove the drink from the stove at the moment when the foam appears. When the foam sets, put the dishes on the fire again. Repeat this procedure several times. Only then stir the coffee and pour it into cups previously treated with hot water.

You can also use a French press to make green coffee. To do this, the glass part of this device must be subjected to heat treatment with hot water, after which the ground product is poured into it.In this case, it is necessary to use large grains, since the crushed coffee seeps through the filter and it will be harder to press through the press. The ground grains of the green product must be poured with hot water and mixed. Then cover the French press, but do not squeeze the filter for several minutes. Then slowly squeeze the rod, while lowering the filter. After this, it remains only to separate the liquid from the thick and pour the liquid part into preheated cups.

As for the coffee maker and coffee machine, these are devices where everything works automatically.

According to the results of the studies, the recommended dosage is one or two cups of green coffee per day.

How to roast green coffee

Roasting coffee beans improves the taste of the finished drink, reduces the percentage of caffeine in it, and also facilitates the grinding process.

If you intend to use green coffee grains as a tonic and a drink to get rid of extra pounds, the beans need only to be dried on a fire. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the grains do not change their color and foreign odors do not appear. Lightly dried grains are easier to grind. There is little caffeine in such a product and practically all the beneficial properties remain, taking into account chlorogenic acid, which stimulates material metabolism and has a number of other qualities that have a beneficial effect on the body.

If it is supposed to get delicious coffee in the end, the roasting process should continue for 15 minutes in a dry frying pan until light brown beans are obtained.

Roasting green coffee is carried out according to the same principle as seeds or peanuts. It is not recommended to use the oven for these purposes, since the grains are inconvenient to mix, and the roasting will be uneven. To do this, it is recommended to use cookware made of cast iron, which must be preheated. It is best to use a separate frying pan for roasting coffee, because this product has the ability to absorb odors.

So, on the bottom of the pan you need to pour the fruits of green coffee in one layer. The heat treatment process should start with a small fire, gradually increasing its intensity, but you can’t make a very strong fire, otherwise the coffee will burn and will be bitter. The process takes from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the purpose for which the product will be used, and taste preferences. Coffee fruits must be constantly stirred with a wooden spoon. A longer roasting will give the grains a brown color and a rich smell, as well as increase the concentration of caffeine.

At the beginning of the process, a light yellow hue and grassy aroma appear. Then the grains begin to smoke as a result of evaporation of the liquid. The appearance of crackling indicates the beginning of an active stage, during which the sugars present in the composition of the product undergo caramelization. As a result of this, essential oils from coffee go outside. After the appearance of such a first cod, the roasting process can be suspended at any time.

It is important when frying to ensure that the grains do not darken, dense and corrosive steam does not form. This is due to the fact that all sugars are completely burned out, the structure of the fruit is destroyed, and the coffee as a result turns out to be bitter.

Fried grains need to be poured into a bowl, covered with paper. In this form, green coffee should be stored several hours before cooling. Small holes need to be made in the paper so that excess carbon dioxide erodes. The cooled grain remains to peel and grind.

If you don’t wait to cool completely and begin to grind the beans, the coffee will turn out sour and bitter. Such a product should be stored in a sealed container in a dry, dark place. When roasting green coffee, do not use oils.

Interesting facts about green coffee

1. The height of the tree on which coffee grows can be up to nine meters. But since grains are easier to harvest from low trees, they are currently grown up to three meters.
2. A coffee tree can live up to 70 years.
3. Grains are located inside red berries.
4. When stored in a cool place, green fruits can retain their beneficial properties for a long time, but when roasted, coffee begins to lose its quality after 2-3 days.
5. In regions where coffee is grown, crops are still harvested by hand. An experienced worker can collect up to seven baskets weighing one centner per day. Payment for one such collected basket is up to $ 10, and after drying and roasting, the cost of the same number of grains increases to $ 100.
6. The main consumer of coffee is Finland, where on average there are five cups of such a drink per person.
7. In Japan, coffee is celebrated in October. This country is the third most consumed drink.

Photo of green coffee