Who does not know coffee, but what about green coffee? Today we want to bring you this tasty, energizing drink with a good number of beneficial properties for health. Can you come with us?
What is green coffee?
It may sound strange, but green coffee is not a new invention or a laboratory cross. These are the same grains that we consume roasted, only that they do not undergo any special process during their preparation. In other words, it is the same coffee as always, only more natural.
By avoiding processing, green coffee contains more nutrients than roasted coffee. That’s because roasting decreases the presence of chlorogenic acid, an ingredient to which many health benefits are attributed.
Green coffee production
Coffee is the fruit of the coffee tree, a tree native to Africa and South Asia. When the fruits are ready to be harvested, they are harvested. This can be done entirely by hand or with mechanized processes.
Of course, manual picking is slower, since it involves individual and conscious picking of each berry. In other words, they are analyzed to choose only those at their perfect point of maturation.
Once the berries are harvested, they are opened to obtain the coffee beans. These are dried in the sun for several days and proceed to separate them from the pulp.
Then, a selection is made to separate any residue or damaged grain from those that are in optimal conditions. Finally, they are packed raw to obtain green coffee.
Properties of green coffee
The first thing to note is that green coffee has a similar flavor to regular coffee, although it is much more bitter, and stands out for its greenish color in the cup. Now, does it really have health benefits?
stimulating effect
Like roasted coffee, green coffee contains caffeine (note, we can also find it in other plants such as tea or cocoa); therefore, it also acts as a stimulant, providing energy quickly.
Keep in mind that, for this reason, its consumption is not usually recommended in case of nervousness, anxiety, hypertension or other pathologies.
Promotes weight loss
Green coffee has become famous, like green tea, for its slimming properties. Although it is true that there are numerous studies on how caffeine from other beverages such as tea affects weight loss, the case of green coffee should continue to be studied.
Although some animal studies have shown weight loss after regular consumption of this tea due to increased thermogenesis and increased urination, human research has found no significant relationship.
protect the heart
Its chlorogenic acid content acts by regulating the presence of blood sugar and also blood pressure. These are two of the risk markers for heart disease; therefore, it is believed that it would protect the heart.
In addition, by acting on insulin and controlling sugar, it would help prevent the onset of diabetes.
satiating properties
Drinking green coffee produces a feeling of satiety that would encourage us to eat less. Thus, it would be easier to control portions and lose weight, in addition to avoiding snacking between meals.
antioxidant function
Chlorogenic acid has proven antioxidant properties; that is to say that it helps to take care of the general health of the organism. Let us remember that antioxidants combat oxidative stress generated by free radicals and that it acts on cells generating all kinds of chronic and degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or heart disease.
Reduces blood pressure
A study concluded that those who had regularly consumed green coffee had reduced their blood pressure values. That is, it could be considered a good way to prevent hypertension. However, more research would be necessary to corroborate these data.
Note : Moderate intake of green coffee (480 mg per day) is considered safe. However, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with anxiety disorders, bleeding disorders or glaucoma.
How to prepare a cup of green coffee?
Preparing green coffee at home has no great mysteries, although there are a couple of recommendations so that it has the best possible flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons of green coffee
- 1 liter of water
- a little more water (amount needed)
Elaboration
- Place the beans in the pot that you will use to prepare your green coffee.
- Cover them with water, only with the necessary so that they are covered by it. Let them rest until they swell (about half an hour).
- Add a liter of water and bring to a boil over low heat.
- When it boils, let it decoction for 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
- Let stand three minutes. Strain and serve.
Now that you know the properties of green coffee, you have no excuses not to try it. What are you waiting for?
