As Seen on TV: Dr Oz Green Coffee Bean Extract
You may have seen the show or heard the buzz around green coffee bean extract, introduced as a Dr Oz weight loss supplement. In this article we discuss natural green coffee bean extract, side effects of green coffee bean extract, how to lose weight with green coffee bean extract and the big question we are all asking, “Is green coffee bean extract safe?”
Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans –the same type that are consumed in mass quantities by people all over the world to provide an energy boost. The energy boost from coffee is normally attributed to its level of caffeine, which varies with roasting practices as well as preparation. The caffeine content of green coffee bean extract is less than in roasted coffee and less than green tea. Green tea, not to be confused with green coffee extract also has other compounds which provide health benefits such as L-theanine, a calming compound that helps with anxiety and concentration and focus. Green tea extracts are also made and often added in to diet supplements, although most of the reasoning for this was due to caffeine content and some anti-oxidant effects.
Back to the Green Coffee Bean Story
A study done in Italy and published in 2006 in a prestigious Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Journal showed some benefit of green coffee bean extract on weight loss. In this study, mice were fed constituents of a green coffee bean supplement, mostly chlorogenic acid and caffeine. The results showed decrease in body fat and overall weight with supplementation. The researchers also looked at the specific types of fat targeted and found that triglycerides, the largest fat particles were decreased. They found that the chlorogenic acid in natural green coffee bean extract inhibited the liver’s ability to release stored sugars to make fat. Instead, the body has to break down fat already present in the body in order to provide energy. They concluded that natural green coffee bean extract may help with weight loss by blocking the absorption of fat from the diet as well as increasing the body’s metabolism to break down fat in general.
Dr Oz Weight Loss Supplement
Made popular by the TV show, Dr Oz green coffee bean extract has been sought after by many as the answer to their weight problems. This may have been based on a study done on a small number of participants given high dose and lose dose natural green coffee bean supplements as well as no treatment (placebo). It was noted that those patients who took the green coffee bean supplement had more weight loss than those who didn’t take the supplement. However, all members of the study did experience some weight loss. There is conflicting opinion on whether this study was valid or whether there were undisclosed conflicts of interest that may have resulted in misleading evidence.
What are the Side-Effects of Green Coffee Bean Extract and Is Green Coffee Bean Extract Safe?
There are no reported studies on the side effects of green coffee bean extract supplements but anyone sensitive to caffeine should avoid such supplements as they do contain caffeine. They should be avoided if you are on any other medications and you should consult with your doctor before starting any medication or supplement as there may be interactions that could impact the effectiveness of your current mediations or you may have a condition where taking new medications or supplements may be dangerous. Caution should be taken with any change to medication schedules, but especially when side effects of green coffee bean extract are relatively unknown.
How to Lose Weight with Green Coffee Bean Extract
Regardless of studies that say it does work, no sustainable weight loss can occur without changes toward a healthy diet and lifestyle. Exercise, portion control, and whole-foods are the most important weight loss strategies and once these are in place, supplementation may be considered. Other supplements that are popular are green tea extract, conjugated linoleic cid (CLA) and raspberry ketones. Green coffee bean extract is just the latest trend in weight loss supplements and time will tell if it’s effective and safe enough to remain on the market as a weight loss supplement.


























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