Health benefits of green coffee

Types

Available in various forms, green coffee beans have become increasingly popular for their health benefits. The popularity of green coffee varies with culture, and each type has unique characteristics.

• Arabica

  Upon immersion in hot water, Arabica coffee beans have a smoother flavour with chocolate and floral undertones. When the beans are left unroasted, they have a flavour that is less intense and sweet than when they're roasted. Many prefer this kind of bean because of its less caffeinated properties. This type of coffee is a staple in regions of East Africa, South Sudan, and Yemen.

• Robusta

  Robusta beans have a bitter, earthy taste compared to Arabica. Green Robusta coffee has a grassier flavour than roasted Robusta. It also contains more chlorogenic acid than Arabica, which is responsible for Robusta coffee’s stronger taste. This type of green coffee is widely consumed in regions of Central and East Africa and in many urban areas across the continent.

• Liberica

  Occasional notes of floral and fruity taste and a very smoky, woody flavour characterise Liberica coffee. The flavour is a bit too robust for many since it has a strong character. However, some appreciate this variety because of its uniqueness. This is popular in the Philippines but not widely consumed in other countries.

• Excelsa

  Excelsa beans have a distinctive taste that is hard to describe compared to other types of beans. Berries or fruits have a mild, fruity taste, while roasted has a much stronger and heavier flavour. Many note that some forms of Excelsa coffee can taste like blackcurrant. This variety of coffee is planted in small quantities among some regions in Southeast Asia, especially in the mountainous areas.

• Specialty green coffee

  This type of coffee refers to high-quality green coffee beans originating from a single location and meeting specific standards. They have a more complex flavour profile and are often cleaner and brighter in taste. While these beans are sought after for their unique flavours and potential health benefits, they aren't as widely consumed. They are mostly enjoyed by those with a more refined palate, particularly in cultures where specialty coffee trends have taken hold.

Material & Durability

The primary material for green coffee is green coffee beans. They are the unroasted seeds of coffee cherries and rich in chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural compound thought to be responsible for many of its health benefits.

The beans are typically hard and dense, with a lighter weight compared to roasted beans. When stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment, they last longer than roasted beans due to their unroasted state. This means they will stay fresher and more resilient to spoilage and degradation. This makes them very durable for long-term storage.

However, they are still sensitive to changes in moisture content, light exposure, and temperature. Proper storage in breathable burlap sacks, airtight containers, or vacuum-sealed packaging maintains their quality. Keep avoiding plastic bags, as they do not offer a proper seal against light and air.

Since green coffee beans are natural agricultural products, their durability varies based on multiple factors such as the origin, variety, and growing conditions. Beans from high-altitude regions are denser and harder and will be more durable than those from lower-altitude regions. Arabica beans are softer and slightly less durable than hardier Robusta beans.

In regions with high humidity, green coffee beans absorb moisture, making them more susceptible to mould and spoilage. Their oil contents are also prone to rancidity at high temperatures. Exposure to light will degrade the beans' quality over time. While burlap sacks allow the beans to breathe, they provide inadequate protection against moisture and light. Other options for storage include airtight containers and vacuum-sealed bags.

With proper storage and handling, green coffee beans maintain their quality for several months up to a year. This is especially true for beans with lower humidity levels and a higher chlorogenic acid content, like Robusta and Liberica.

How to use

Green coffee beans have multiple uses that are related to personal health. Beyond brewing, raw coffee beans are also used in supplements, extracts, cosmetic formulations, and weight management products.

Green coffee is a staple brew option for people who like lighter coffee. Since it is unroasted, it has a milder taste than regular coffee, which can be appealing for those who dislike the strong, bitter flavours of roasted coffee. Also, it contains caffeine, antioxidants, and chlorogenic acid, which users believe provide multiple health benefits.

Many people lack the time needed to grind and brew their green coffee beans daily. For them, convenience is critical. They often buy pre-ground green coffee or green coffee capsules and softgels for quick and consistent doses without the hassle of preparation. Exposure to the less acidic profile of pre-ground green coffee provides a gentler experience on the stomach compared to regular roasted coffee. This is particularly appealing to those with acid-sensitive stomachs who like coffee.

Beyond brewing coffee, green coffee extracts are a popular product in health and wellness circles. Many people buy these extracts who want a concentrated form of chlorogenic acid without the need to consume large quantities of coffee. These extracts often have a CGA concentration labelled for users to know the amount they will be taking. Weight loss and management are the primary reasons these extracts are purchased. The chlorogenic acid in green coffee extracts has been researched for its potential role in supporting weight loss by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates and promoting fat metabolism.

Many personal care brands include green coffee in their formulations for users interested in skincare and beauty products. Chlorogenic acid and antioxidants in green coffee are thought to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce signs of ageing. This makes them popular for promoting skin health and preventing wrinkles. Many women buy moisturisers, serums, and eye creams for firming and tightening the skin. These products target dark circles and puffiness, especially in eye creams.

Spas and wellness centres know the rejuvenating properties of green coffee and use it for treatments. They add green coffee to body wraps and scrubs intending to detoxify, firm up, and improve skin texture.

Customization & OMS

Green coffee comes in various customizations to meet the needs of different users. Whether one is an importer, distributor, or a company considering white labelling, knowing the key customisation options is critical.

The variety of green coffee beans is the first customisation option. While Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica are the more popular varieties, more unique and harder-to-find varieties are emerging. They include Excelsa and specialty coffee beans. These beans provide distinct flavour profiles and health benefits. Importers should get green coffee beans wholesale in bulk of the best or most popular varieties in the market. These being the robust and Arabica varieties.

Green coffee extracts have varying concentrations of chlorogenic acid. This number varies based on the extraction technique and the desired purpose. For instance, coffee bean extracts with high CGA concentration are ideal for people targeting weight loss or supplement manufacturers. An extraction method that preserves chlorogenic acid will be appealing to health-conscious customers. They include cold brewing and ethanol extraction methods. Conversely, methods that prioritise caffeine extraction, like water processing, won't appeal to this market.

How these extracts are packaged affects how appealing they are to the end user. Extracts packaged in capsules or softgels offer convenience for quick coffee blends, while bulk liquids and powders suit wholesalers and retailers. For companies considering white labelling, ensure the extracts come in multiple flavours and forms to cater to a larger audience. These flavours can be natural, like vanilla and caramel, or fruity. Strong blends like dark roast or espresso would appeal to more seasoned coffee lovers.

Green coffee tends to have a lower shelf life. However, certain packaging options increase its shelf life, making it more appealing for resale. These options include airtight bags, vacuum-sealed containers, and foil packaging. Production date, storage information, and expiration date print directly on the packaging further add to its appeal by ensuring customers know the freshness of the product. People prefer organic green coffee beans because they are a natural product. Obtaining a product that is USDA-certified organic increases customer confidence.

Non-GMO and gluten-free certifications are also appealing since they are unroasted, green coffee beans retain high levels of chlorogenic acid.

Q & A

Q1: Do green coffee beans reduce cholesterol levels?

A1: Green coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid, which many studies have found reduces overall cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. This acid is unevenly distributed across various coffee species. Workers picked Arabica coffee beans naturally contain less chlorogenic acid than Robusta coffee beans. This is why Arabica coffee has a milder flavour, as less acid will make it less bitter.

Q2: Is it good to drink green coffee daily?

A2:Green coffee can be safely consumed daily. However, buyers must be conscious of their individual tolerances and avoid excessive intake. While it offers a gentler experience, ground green coffee may still contain high levels of chlorogenic acid.

Q3: Will carbonated water extract chlorogenic acid?

A3:Yes, carbonated water will extract chlorogenic acid and other beneficial acids from green coffee beans. This method has been proven effective for decaffeination and may leave more chlorogenic acid in the beans than other methods.

Q4: Who shouldn't have green coffee?

A4:People suffering from acid reflux, anxiety, or insomnia should avoid green coffee because it contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid. These two compounds can stimulate gastric acid production and increase stomach acidity. This will lead to more discomfort for people who already suffer from digestive issues.

Q5: What amount of green coffee should be taken daily for weight loss?

A5:A daily dose of 200-400mg of chlorogenic acid is ideal for weight loss. This amount is approximately one to four cups of brewed green coffee, depending on the strength of the brew. But users should consult a health professional for personalised recommendations.