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Now more and more people are talking about the benefits of green coffee. He soared to the pedestal of popularity due to the fact that it promotes weight loss. Losing weight with the help of such a drink is now considered fashionable, and a few years ago, in 2012 in the United States, this product became the best-selling of a number of products that promote weight loss. So why is this unknown drink so famous? Online reviews about it are very contradictory: some believe that it is incredibly useful, others talk about contraindications that outweigh the benefits. Is it so? Let’s try to figure it out.
A bit of history
One of the provinces of Ethiopia, Kaffa, is considered to be the birthplace of coffee. This plant has existed for more than 800 years, and there are a great many stories of its appearance. However, the most common is the legend of the Kaldi shepherd and his goats.
A young shepherd, grazing goats in a pasture, drew attention to unusual behavior: the goats were incredibly alert and active throughout the day and the following night. Kaldi noticed that the berries of the coffee tree give them vigor. Then the shepherd decided to taste the cherished berries himself, and what was his surprise when he felt an incredible surge of vivacity that made him dance all night long. The abbot of a nearby monastery, passing by, became interested in the dancing shepherd and asked what made him so delighted. Then Kaldi told him about the miraculous power of small berries. Without thinking twice, the monk collected the berries and leaves of the coffee tree and made a decoction out of them, which he treated his brothers to on the eve of evening prayers. This drink did a miracle – the monks became cheerful and no longer slept through the night sermons.
In Russia, coffee was very fond of Peter I and Catherine the Great. Moreover, the latter used such a strong drink that four hundred grams of grains was enough for about four cups. Thanks to this Empress, now coffee is also used in cosmetology, as she was the first to come up with the idea of using coffee grounds with soap as a kind of face and body scrub. Coffee itself appeared under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, and was used exclusively for medical purposes: to increase blood pressure, get rid of migraines and many other diseases.
As a drink, it began to be used only in the XNUMXth century, and only a raw product was used for this, just what we now call green coffee. And only a few centuries later they learned to dry and roast the grains, grind them into powder and pour hot water, getting a unique aromatic drink that is in demand to this day.
Main characteristics and types of green coffee
Green coffee is raw coffee beans that have not been roasted, and therefore do not have the usual dark brown color, but a delicate olive hue. They are obtained from the fruit of the coffee tree. With the help of a specific treatment, they are freed from the pulp of the berries and the husks are removed.
Green coffee does not have the same rich aroma as black coffee. Its smell is more like a tart herbal aroma. A drink made from such grains acquires a brown color and a tart, astringent, slightly sour taste.
Today there are several types of green coffee:
- natural green coffee beans;
- raw green coffee;
- roasted green coffee;
- ground green coffee powder;
- granulated instant green coffee;
- sublimated green coffee.
The most effective for weight loss is raw unroasted coffee, its grains contain the greatest amount of nutrients. When roasted, many of the beneficial properties of green coffee are lost. So, for example, chlorogenic acid, which this healthy drink is so valued for, is completely absent in roasted grains. However, the fried version contains quite a lot of useful substances.
Ground coffee can be used both for preparing a drink and for using it as a component of various cosmetic products.
A soluble granular product is obtained by intense steam pressure on ground coffee powder, as a result of which a lot of its useful properties are lost, as the pressure changes the structure of the grain.
Freeze-dry coffee is another name for freeze-dried coffee and is one of the most expensive products, since the technology by which it is produced is quite expensive in itself. But thanks to it, a drink is obtained that is closest in taste and aroma to a natural product.
The chemical composition of green coffee
Green coffee contains a rich mineral complex and a useful vitamin composition. Organic acids can be distinguished in it, where mainly chlorogenic acid, tannins, alkaloids, mainly caffeine, theophylline and trigonelline, essential oils, tannin, fiber, lipids and amino acids act.
Caffeine in the composition of such a drink contains much less than in its black counterpart. However, its presence has a positive effect on the body, provided it is consumed within reasonable limits. Thanks to caffeine, you can increase mental activity, increase physical activity, and also improve memory. It helps to remove the accumulated fatigue and recharge the body with vigor. Also, the use of caffeine in small amounts helps to speed up metabolism and prevents the accumulation of body fat, relieves spasms and stimulates the work of the heart and blood vessels.
Tannin promotes the removal of dangerous toxins and harmful toxins from the body, and also prevents the harmful effects of the environment. It has the ability to constrict blood vessels and reduce capillary permeability, and also helps to heal wounds and neutralizes the harmful effects of pathogenic microorganisms and various kinds of poisoning.
Chlorogenic acid is one of the most powerful antioxidants that helps the body cleanse itself of free radicals and their harmful effects. However, this acid is found only in raw green coffee beans. It prevents the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, reducing the absorption of carbohydrates, and also normalizes digestion, which undoubtedly contributes to weight loss. Chlorogenic acid also has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, circulatory system and respiratory tract. Thanks to antioxidants, protein synthesis occurs, which is necessary for stable and well-coordinated work of the body. Chlorogenic acid reduces the risk of type XNUMX diabetes.
The amino acids that make up green coffee contribute to better absorption of useful vitamins and minerals by the body, help in the fight against viruses and infections, speed up metabolic processes and increase the production of hemoglobin. They also help to gain muscle mass faster and have a beneficial effect on muscles after active physical exertion. These beneficial substances can destroy subcutaneous fat and dull the feeling of hunger, and also contribute to the removal of radionuclides from the body and salts of heavy metals.
Lipids are responsible for the synthesis of many hormones that contribute to the full functioning of the nervous system. And tannins speed up metabolism and lower blood glucose levels. By the way, thanks to them, coffee acquires its astringency.
Thanks to the fiber contained in this product, bad cholesterol is removed, digestive processes are normalized, immunity and natural defenses of the body are strengthened. And also fiber can prevent the development of cancer, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Essential oils give coffee its rich, luxurious aroma. With their help, you can soften the cough and increase the secretion of sputum, thereby removing mucus from the bronchi. They are able to quickly eliminate inflammatory processes and neutralize the action of harmful bacteria. And also have a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system and digestive organs.
Useful properties of green coffee
Thanks to this miraculous chemical composition, green coffee acquires healing and beneficial properties:
- speeds up metabolism and effectively burns fat;
- helps to reduce appetite, thereby dulling the feeling of hunger;
- normalizes the level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood;
- promotes the removal of toxins and dangerous toxins;
- regulates metabolism and improves blood circulation;
- improves the work of the cardiovascular and nervous system;
- contributes to the coordinated work of the endocrine glands;
- improves memory and stimulates the brain;
- energizes and energizes, improves mood;
- has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and improves digestion.
In addition to the above actions, green coffee is actively used in the field of cosmetology and traditional medicine:
- has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect;
- effectively relieves swelling, facilitating the removal of excess fluid from the body;
- is a powerful tonic;
- promotes protection against ultraviolet radiation;
- has an anti-cellulite effect, helps to eliminate stretch marks and scars;
- stimulates hair growth, promotes their strengthening and natural shine;
- effectively fights skin aging, preventing the appearance of wrinkles.
Also, green coffee has a powerful anti-cancer property, prevents the risk of atherosclerosis and is used to treat and prevent diabetes.
Green coffee for weight loss
The high content of chlorogenic acid, which is destroyed during roasting, and therefore exists only in green coffee, allows us to talk about this product as an effective weight loss product. This unique substance has properties that can break down fats, preventing them from entering the bloodstream, and also help the liver to actively process fatty acids.
In addition, green coffee helps to reduce the level of insulin in the blood, thereby speeding up the metabolism. And also effective in this regard is the anti-edematous effect that the substances that make up this drink have. And the ability of this product to remove harmful substances and cholesterol from the body.
Harm of green coffee
The most dangerous substance contained in coffee is caffeine, the excessive use of which can lead to unpleasant consequences and harm the body.
Regular consumption of large amounts of caffeine can lead to caffeine addiction, which is characterized by:
- headache;
- drowsiness;
- chronic fatigue and rapid fatigue;
- nervousness and irritability;
- muscle pain;
- nausea;
- stress and depression.
Since coffee stimulates and tones the nervous system, an excessive passion for this drink can lead to depletion of nerve cells and a general deterioration of all organs and systems of the body. In addition, caffeine can provoke the development of epilepsy, paranoia, nervous breakdowns, psychosis and aggression.
A drink from green grains, as well as from black ones, is contraindicated for people with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease, since caffeine provokes an increase in pressure and stimulates the cardiovascular system, resulting in a rapid pulse. It is not recommended to use this product if there is a tendency to heart disease, overweight problems, vascular disease.
Excessive consumption of the drink deprives the body of such beneficial minerals as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, as well as vitamins B1 and B6. Which in turn can lead to the following consequences:
- fragility and fragility of bones;
- the risk of developing osteochondrosis;
- tooth decay;
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- persistent pain in the back and neck that does not go away.
Thus, green coffee should also be used with caution and not overdo it.
Contraindications and side effects
It is recommended to exclude the use of the drink in case of nervous disorders, manifested in insomnia, increased excitability and irritability. Also, do not use it during pregnancy and lactation, as well as hypertension and problems of the gastrointestinal tract. You should not drink coffee in childhood, as it negatively affects the fragile nervous system and can lead to unpleasant and sad consequences.
With excessive use of such a drink, the following symptoms may appear:
- nausea;
- headache;
- cardiopalmus;
- increase blood pressure.
How to prepare green coffee
First, the coffee beans need to be ground. And this stage is one of the most important in making coffee. The coffee beans are ground to bring out the best taste and aroma. Green coffee needs to be ground coarsely. The grinding process will be much easier if the grains are soaked briefly in cold water before that.
To roast coffee or not is a personal matter for everyone. But roasted beans reduce the level of caffeine in the drink, improve its palatability and promote better grinding. There are several stages of roasting coffee beans. For example, if green coffee is to be used as a weight loss aid, then the grains should only be slightly dried in a frying pan, making sure that they do not change color. Well, if the goal is to improve the taste of the product, then you need to fry the grains until they acquire a brownish hue. This process will take approximately fifteen minutes. It is extremely important to roast the coffee beans in a dry frying pan without adding oil. It is better to use cast iron cookware for this, and the roasting method itself resembles roasting peanuts or seeds.
There are several types of coffee brewing:
- brewing with a French press;
- zavarivanie zelenogo kofe v turke;
- brewing green coffee in a coffee pot;
- brewing in a coffee maker;
- brewing green coffee in a coffee machine.
Brewing green coffee with a french press
Initially, you need to heat the glass container of the French press with hot water. After draining it, pour coarse green coffee into it. Pour hot water over coffee and mix thoroughly. Cover the French press with a lid and wait for about three to five minutes, depending on how strong the drink is to be obtained. After this time, slowly lower the filter and pour the liquid separated from the thick into heated cups.
Заваривание зеленого кофе в турке
Pour cold water into the Turk and put on fire. Add 2 teaspoons of finely ground coffee to hot water. Brew coffee over low heat. As soon as the foam appears, the coffee must be removed from the heat, and when it settles, return to the stove again. This process must be repeated about three times, after which the resulting drink is mixed and poured into preheated cups.
How to drink green coffee
It is best to drink such a drink unsweetened, about fifteen minutes before a meal or half an hour after a meal.
It is necessary to know that the simultaneous use of a drink with alcohol and tobacco significantly increases the level of cholesterol in the blood, and also enhances the effect of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Since the presence of caffeine helps to flush out important minerals from the body, it is necessary to introduce dairy products, cheeses and fish into your diet. In addition, coffee removes fluid from the body, so those who are fond of such a product should drink more than one liter of pure non-carbonated mineral water per day.
Conclusions
Green coffee is a newfangled trend in nutrition. Its beneficial properties have a beneficial effect on the body, contribute to weight loss and improve skin quality. However, losing weight with this product is fraught with consequences. And if you overdo it with such a drink, then this can lead to unpleasant consequences, since green coffee also contains caffeine, albeit in smaller doses than black coffee. With caution, this drink should be used for heart problems and a tendency to high blood pressure. But in general, if you do not abuse it, then green coffee will not do any harm, but will only serve the benefit of the body.