Green coffee extract (GCE) is an increasingly popular dietary supplement that has attracted scientific attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is a collection of comorbid risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and an abnormal lipid profile, which increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The limited efficacy of many drugs and their various side effects have led to increasing attention to natural solutions such as green coffee extract.
The main active ingredient in green coffee is chlorogenic acid. This compound is sensitive to high temperatures and is found in much smaller quantities in roasted coffee beans. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glucose metabolism-regulating properties. A study of 50 MetS patients showed that supplementation with GCE at 800 mg per day for eight weeks resulted in substantial health benefits. Firstly, a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference was reported. In the group receiving GCE, weight loss was almost twice that of the group given a placebo. This indicates the extract’s potential to combat abdominal obesity. Additionally, appetite reduction among participants taking GCE may have supported this effect by controlling calorie intake.
In addition, supplementation with green coffee extract had a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). The mechanism responsible for these benefits is probably the ability of chlorogenic acid to inhibit gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis from non-sugar precursors) and the stimulation of glucose uptake by cells.
Another critical effect of GCE supplementation was an improvement in blood pressure values. There was a more significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group taking the extract compared to placebo. The ability of GCE to regulate blood pressure may be related to the reduction of cortisol levels, which affects sodium retention in the body and reduces the availability of nitric oxide in the blood vessels.
It is also worth mentioning that the study showed no significant effect of GCE on cholesterol or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. These results suggest that green coffee extract supplementation works effectively in weight reduction, glucose regulation, and blood pressure but does not significantly improve the lipid profile.
In conclusion, green coffee extract shows promise in reducing abdominal obesity, improving glycaemic control, and lowering blood pressure, making it a potential support for treating metabolic syndrome. Although the effects of supplementation are promising, it is worth remembering that the best results are achieved with a proper diet and physical activity. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before introducing supplements into your daily life.
Based on:
H. Roshan, O. Nikpayam, M. Sedaghat and G. Sohrab; Effects of green coffee extract supplementation on anthropometric indices, glycaemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, insulin resistance and appetite in patients with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised clinical trial; Br. J. Nutr.; 2018; 250-251, 256-257