Background

• "Green coffee" refers to the raw, unroasted seeds (beans) of Coffea fruits. Green coffee beans are cleaned, dried, roasted, ground, and brewed to produce the popular beverage coffee. The main Coffea species used for beverage production are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (synonym, Coffea robusta).
• Coffee is a popular source of caffeine. However, it also contains many other components that are believed to have health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels. These components include chlorogenic acid, quinides, lignans, and trigonelline.
• Studies suggest that caffeinated coffee consumption may increase blood pressure and potentially increase the risk of heart disease. However, these results were not found to be true of decaffeinated coffee, and some trials found that chlorogenic acid may actually lower blood pressure. Researchers believe that the differing effects of roasted and raw coffee are due to a compound called hydroxyhydroquinone (HHQ), which is created from the roasting process and may block the beneficial effects of chlorogenic acid on blood pressure.
• Scientists believe that genes and gender may play a role in determining how people respond to chlorogenic acid. One study found that coffee consumption led to better insulin sensitivity in women, but not in men. However, further research is needed in order to better understand these findings.

References

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