Green Coffee Bean Extract for Weight Loss

            Throughout my career, I’ve seen dozens of “hot” weight-loss supplements come and go, including bitter orange, chromium picolinate, CLA, hoodia, yerba mate, raspberry ketones, and now green coffee bean extract. Each has been touted as an effortless way to shed pounds, by either boosting metabolism, mobilizing body fat, or suppressing appetite. But as a health professional, it’s my job to be skeptical and ask the tough questions, such as does it really work, where’s the proof, and, above all, is it safe?

You may have seen green coffee extract at Starbucks, promoted as a natural energy source with no coffee flavor. It was also featured recently on The Dr. Oz Show. On his program, the doc revealed the results of his own investigation, which involved recruiting 100 women who either received a placebo or a 400 mg green coffee bean supplement. The ladies were instructed to make no changes to their diets, and after two weeks, those who had popped the green coffee bean extract lost an average of two pounds, compared to one pound for the placebo group. Interesting, but I’m not ready to recommend it yet. Here’s the nitty-gritty:

What is green coffee extract?
Coffee beans are actually green seeds inside a bright red berry. Roasting them turns the seeds brown and creates the characteristic aroma and flavor coffee lovers crave. To create green coffee bean extract, the seeds are left unroasted. Instead they’re soaked and then concentrated to create the extract.



Why not just drink coffee?
When coffee seeds or “beans” are roasted, their antioxidant levels increase, but one natural substance called chlorogenic acid decreases. This chemical is thought to block fat accumulation, boost weight loss, curb carb absorption, and help regulate post-meal blood sugar levels. In addition, green coffee extract does not taste or smell like coffee, a supposed benefit for those who don’t enjoy java.

Does it work?
Honestly, the evidence is pretty scant. One 2012 study made a big splash when it found that subjects who consumed 1,050-mg and 700-mg doses lost about 16 pounds in six weeks compared to a placebo group. However, the study was criticized because it involved such a small number of subjects—only 16—and it was funded by a green coffee bean extract manufacturer. An independent analysis of three randomized clinical trials that included a total of 142 participants concluded that the effect of green coffee extract is only moderate at best, and the studies were poorly conducted.

Is it safe?
For me this is the million-dollar question because even if something “works” for weight loss, it’s not worthwhile if it creates other unwanted side effects. In this case the answer is: It depends.

Fortunately, one herbal supplement company that I really respect has a green coffee bean supplement. This company has been out there for quite the long time and has loads of natural supplements. I believe that their product can absolutely be considered safe.

Their product is called Green Coffee Bean Max, but for more information click here !