Green coffee beans: useful properties and contraindications

The green fruits of the coffee plant are ordinary beans that are not subjected to heat treatment. In some cases, in order to obtain such a product, the stage of drying is also excluded. This results in a coffee that has a different appearance, a different aroma and flavor.

Those who are accustomed to drinking a drink made from dark beans, which have a pleasant smell, are unlikely to like the appearance and aroma of green coffee, because by the smell of such a product resembles mold.

Cooked from the green fruits coffee is characterized by other properties compared to the usual drink for everyone. First of all, it is worth noting the unpleasant taste and aromatic properties of green beans. Recently, however, this product has been gaining popularity. This is due to the fact that green cocoa beans have a number of positive qualities.

Types of green coffee

To date, the main suppliers of green coffee are such countries as India, Colombia, Brazil. There are several kinds of this product.

One of the varieties of green beans is raw, not roasted green beans. These beans are not roasted. This type of coffee promotes 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, which prevents its entry into the bloodstream.

There are regular, roasted green coffee beans. They undergo a certain heat treatment, which results in the loss of a number of useful qualities of the product. Because during roasting the substances in the composition of the coffee bean are transformed into other components. For example, the high temperatures destroy the chlorogenic acid which makes green coffee popular.

But this type of coffee also has certain advantages. The main thing is to roast the grains correctly, because not only the taste and flavor properties, but also the presence of nutrients in it depend on the degree of this process.

Heat treatment at home can be carried out in a frying pan or using an oven. The disadvantage of such self-treatment is that it is difficult for an inexperienced person to determine the degree of readiness of the beans. After all, in this case, the middle of the kernels should fry, but at the same time the outer part of the fruit should not burn.

Another type of green coffee is ground product. It can be purchased in the store in ready-made form or ground with your own hands. The finished powdered mass can be used to make a delicious drink, or use it as an ingredient for preparing a mixture with anti-cellulite, cleansing and regenerating properties.

To make this drink, pour two teaspoons of ground coffee into a glass of boiling water and infuse it for five minutes. You can strain the coffee before drinking it.

Soluble granulated coffee from green fruits is obtained by spray drying in an aggregation process. During this process, the powder is moistened to produce pellets. Under high pressure, the coffee powder is then steam-assembled into small lumps, the pellets. Such manipulations lead to a change in the molecular structure of the coffee fruit, losing some of its medicinal characteristics.

There is also a freeze-dried green product, for the production of which the so-called "freeze-drying" method is used. In this case, the soluble coffee extract is subjected to rapid freezing at low temperatures. The result is an iced coffee concentrate. Then, by vacuum and high temperatures, as well as by means of extraction, the excess liquid is removed. Afterwards, the virtually dry monolith of coffee beans is separated into crystals of equal size. This type of coffee is expensive because of the many processes involved.

Composition and calories

The coffee tree contains more than 1,000 active compounds. Interestingly, the chemical composition of green coffee does not change during processing, processing and preparation of the beans.

1. A small concentration of caffeine was found in the green product compared to the usual black beverage. This substance increases mental and physical activity, helps relieve fatigue, speeds up metabolic processes, stimulates the cardiovascular system and eliminates cramps.
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 constriction, neutralizes bacteria and helps to heal wounds. In addition, tannin restores the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as prevents the development of symptoms of poisoning.
3. Amino acids in the composition of green coffee fruits ensure 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 for the substances of this group is characterized by the ability to destroy subcutaneous fat and suppress appetite.
4. The lipids contained in green coffee are responsible for the production of a number of hormones that ensure normal functioning of the nervous system.
5. Thanks to the tannins, coffee acquires its characteristic tartness. In combination with acids of organic origin, tannins speed up metabolism and help reduce blood glucose levels.
6. Fiber is responsible for the normal microflora in the intestines, provides removal of "bad" cholesterol from the body, and also leads to a natural weight loss. Also, fiber improves blood circulation in the pelvic vessels, regulates the genitourinary system, improves digestion.
7. It also contains essential oils that regulate the cardiovascular system and help relieve coughs by enhancing the process of expectoration of phlegm from the bronchi.
8. The vitamins found in coffee are representatives of the group B, as well as E, C and PP. Organic acids are represented by citric, oxalic and acetic acids.
9. Green coffee also contains such minerals as K, Fe, and Mg. Ca, Na and Zn are present in sufficient amounts.
10. In addition, the carbohydrate part of green beans is represented by cellulose, pectins and multimolecular saccharides.

The caloric value of green coffee is 220 kcal per 100 g of beans.

What is green coffee good for?

General health benefits

1. The main useful property of the green coffee fruit drink is the activation of the metabolism process, which leads to a reduction of centimeters on the waist. And this is provided not only by burning fat deposits, but also by the ability to suppress appetite and reduce the feeling of hunger.
2. The benefits of the product is manifested in the ability to normalize blood pressure, improve the functioning of the CNS. Such a drink allows you to improve the functioning of the intestines and eliminate edema by eliminating excess fluid from the body.
3. The rich composition of green cocoa beans increases the overall tone of the body, has a calming effect on the nervous system, has a positive effect on the respiratory system.
4. It is known for its wide use in medical and cosmetic fields. Oil based on these fruits treats burns, eliminates stretch marks and scars, fights with orange peel, as well as 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 can contain up to 800 mg of this substance. It can reduce the rate of absorption of carbohydrates by the blood and prevent the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. In addition, chlorogenic acid has an antioxidant effect, that is, can protect the body from free radicals, whose penetration into the cell provokes the development of tumor diseases.

For women

For the fairer sex, green coffee is useful because it is widely used in cosmetology. However, in this case, it is not the beverage made from the beans that can be of benefit, but the natural oil when used externally. Oil from green cacao beans will help to get rid of even old scars. To do this, you need to regularly rub the oil into the problem areas after showering. Also, this product can be used for hair growth. Dry skin can be moisturized with a mask using a product from the green fruits of the coffee tree.

To get rid of cellulite, it is recommended to conduct wraps with ground grains, which are previously steamed with boiling water. This property is characteristic only for the green kind of coffee. Black beverage in this regard is useless.

For men

Small doses of caffeine contained in green cacao beans stimulate male intimacy, potency and spermatogenesis. But at the same time you should remember that caffeine can cause a decrease in testosterone levels in men. Therefore, although the effect of caffeine in the body lasts a short time, still abuse such a drink is not recommended. The optimal dose is two to three cups of coffee a day. It is important that the product should be natural.

If you are pregnant

During pregnancy it is better to avoid products that contain caffeine, or at least to minimize the use of such products, among which is green coffee. After all, this substance negatively affects the development of the fetus, because it removes calcium from the body. Coffee can also cause high blood pressure, which worsens the condition of the pregnant woman.

A number of studies have shown that caffeine consumption can cause various abnormalities in the baby, especially in the cardiovascular system. In addition, scientists have proven that coffee, regardless of the variety, during pregnancy increases the likelihood of fetal death while still in the womb.

Caffeine promotes vasoconstriction, which provokes oxygen starvation of the baby, in addition, in this case the nutrients come in small quantities. This can lead to the fact that the baby's birth weight will be very small. 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. Consequently, a miscarriage may occur. To quench thirst, it is recommended that the expectant mother use juices, compote or plain mineral water.

When breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding women, just like pregnant women, should exclude green coffee from their diet. During lactation, coffee can cause sleep disturbances in the baby, frequent mood swings, and anxiety. Also, caffeine can help speed up kidney function, leading to dehydration.

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

For children

The most suitable age for children to drink coffee is when they are 15-16 years old and no more than two cups a day. Children's bodies are then already strong enough to absorb caffeine. If a child wants to try coffee earlier, you can give him a cup a day, starting at the age of ten. But even then it is recommended to make it weak and mix it with milk or cream in a ratio of 1:1. Cocoa can be used instead of coffee.

Even a weak drink can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and fever. If there are any symptoms, it means that the child has an individual intolerance or a disorder of the digestive tract. You should not give children a coffee drink in the morning, especially on an empty stomach. It is also not recommended to offer coffee after a heavy lunch.

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. In this study, groups of overweight people consumed green coffee every day. After three weeks all the participants lost an average of 7 kg. For some people this weight loss was 5% of their total body weight.

To use green fruits effectively, the drink should be consumed between main meals in an amount not exceeding 200 ml. The average amount of coffee drunk per day should not exceed 0.6 liters.

You should drink such coffee every day until you get the desired result. Despite the fact that the drink reduces the absorption of fats, you still do not need to give up exercise.

Green coffee oil: benefits and uses

Oil from green coffee beans is much more effective than its counterpart from roasted beans, as it contains a greater amount of caffeine, fruit acids and carbohydrates that promote the synthesis of elastin. The oil is a viscous fluid of brown or green-brown color and tart flavor. This product is obtained by cold pressing of the green fruits of the coffee tree. This substance has a light texture that ensures good absorption into the upper layers of the dermis without clogging the pores.

The oil prepared from green coffee beans can be used as a standalone product, 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 and a large list of vitamins in such a product, 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 UV rays. Therefore, if you mix it with lavender or ylang-ylang essential oil, you get an excellent sunscreen.

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

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

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

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many useful qualities, green coffee still has some contraindications. When abusing such a product, side effects may occur.

1. Since caffeine excites the nervous system, frequent consumption of green coffee can lead to depletion of nerve cells.
2. As already mentioned, the constituents of green fruits, such 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 for arrhythmia, because tannin increases the force of heart contractions, which can cause an attack.
4. Also, the drink promotes the synthesis of gastric juice, therefore, it is contraindicated for people suffering from heartburn, ulcers and various inflammatory diseases of the stomach, because the acid irritates the mucous membrane and causes an attack.

Green coffee is contraindicated to those who have a tendency to thrombosis, because tannin can increase blood clotting.

Chlorogenic acid in the product inhibits the absorption of iron, so you should refrain from drinking green coffee while taking iron-containing drugs.

Like black coffee, green drink has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, so you should not drink it with abnormalities of the nervous system. In children under 14 years of age the nervous system is not yet fully formed, so they should not take this drink, because as a result there may be anxiety, stress and severe mood swings.

How to choose and store

Green coffee is available for sale in the form of beans and in a ground state. If you intend to buy the product for roasting at home to the desired degree, you need to buy the beans of this product. If, however, the coffee will be used for weight loss, it is necessary to take the ground product. It is very difficult to grind green fruits, you can even break the blender, so it is better not to spoil your technique.

When choosing green coffee, it is important to buy the product in proven stores, where the buyer will not be cheated. The spoilage of the fruit of the coffee tree is indicated by direct signs, when the beans show signs of rot and contamination.

The conditions for storing green beans are not as stringent as those for the processed product. You can pour the beans into a container with an airtight lid and store at 20 degrees, this will not affect the useful qualities.

How to brew green coffee correctly

For making green coffee you can use a coffee pot, a distillery, a special French press and a coffee maker.

To get a drink of green fruit in a coffee pot, you need to fill the device with water and put it on the stove. When the liquid is about to boil, you should take it off the fire and add coffee to it. Next, stir the mixture and infuse it for a few minutes. After this, the ready drink can be poured into preheated cups.

To brew coffee in a turkey, heat a container with cold water, but not until the liquid boils. Then add a couple of teaspoons of ground green fruits in a turkey and cook over low heat. The drink should be removed from the stove at the moment when the foam appears. When the foam sits down, put the pot back on the fire. Such a procedure should be repeated several times. Only then stir the coffee and pour it into cups that have been pre-treated with hot water.

To prepare green coffee, you can also use a French press. For this, the glass part of this device should be subjected to a heat treatment with hot water, then pour the ground product into it. At the same time, it is necessary to use large beans, as ground coffee will seep through the filter and will be harder to squeeze with the press. The ground beans of the green product should be poured with hot water and stirred. Next, cover the French press with a lid, but do not squeeze the filter for several minutes. Then slowly squeeze the rod while lowering the filter. After that all that remains is to separate the liquid from the grounds 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 studies, the recommended dosage is one to two cups of green coffee a 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 makes it easier to grind.

If you intend to use green coffee beans as a tonic and a drink to get rid of extra pounds, you only need to dry the beans on the fire. It is important to make sure that the beans do not change their color and that there are no extraneous flavors. Slightly dried beans are easier to grind. In such a product there is little caffeine and almost all useful properties remain, taking into account chlorogenic acid, which stimulates substance metabolism and has a number of other qualities beneficial to the body.

If you intend to get delicious coffee in the end, the roasting process should be continued for 15 minutes in a dry pan until the beans are light brown.

Roasting green coffee follows the same principle as roasting seeds or peanuts. It is not recommended to use the oven for this purpose, because it is inconvenient to stir the beans and the roasting will be uneven. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a cast-iron pan, which should be pre-heated. It is best to use a separate pan for roasting coffee, because this product has the ability to absorb foreign odors.

So, on the bottom of the pan you need to pour the green coffee fruits in a single layer. Start the cooking process with a low heat, gradually increasing its intensity, but do not 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. The coffee fruit should be stirred constantly with a wooden spoon. Longer roasting will give the beans a brown color and rich flavor, and will increase the concentration of caffeine.

At the beginning of the process, a light yellow hue and a grassy aroma appear. Next, the beans begin to smoke as a result of the evaporation of liquid. The appearance of crackling indicates the beginning of the active stage, during which the sugars present in the product undergo caramelization. This causes the essential oils in the coffee to escape. After this first crackling, the roasting process can be stopped at any time.

It is important when roasting to make sure that the beans do not darken and that no dense and acrid steam is produced. This happens because all the sugars are burned off completely, the structure of the fruit is destroyed and the coffee ends up bitter.

Roasted beans should be poured into a bowl and covered with paper. In this form green coffee should be kept for several hours before it cools. You should make small holes in the paper, to let the excess carbon dioxide escape. The cooled beans should be peeled and ground.

If you don't wait until the beans are completely cooled and start grinding them, the coffee will turn sour and bitter. Store this product in a sealed container, in a dry, light-protected place. No oils should be used when roasting green coffee.

Interesting Facts about Green Coffee

1. The tree on which coffee grows can be up to nine meters tall. But because the beans are easier to collect from low trees, they are now grown up to three meters.
2. The coffee tree can live up to 70 years.
3. The beans are located inside the red berries.
4. The green beans can retain their healthful qualities for a long time if kept in a cool place, but roasted coffee begins to lose its qualities after only 2-3 days.
5. In regions where coffee is grown the harvest is still harvested by hand. An experienced worker may harvest up to seven one-centner baskets a day. The fee for one such basket is up to 10 dollars, and after drying and roasting the same amount of beans goes up to 100 dollars.
6. The main consumer of coffee is considered to be Finland, where an average of five cups of such drink per person.
7. In Japan, in October, the Day of coffee is celebrated. This country is the third largest consumer of this drink.

Photo of green coffee