Green Coffee Bean Extract: Sift through the Facts and that Dr. Oz Factor

It’s hard to miss hearing about the new weight loss superstar, green coffee bean extract, as it’s endlessly being featured in magazines like Woman’s World and, on talk shows like Dr. Oz. There is a lot of hype behind green coffee bean extract, but what’s the science behind it?

There are a handful of published research papers investigating green coffee bean extract’s potential to help weight loss. The jury is still out, but it looks that green coffee bean extract has some promising effects on body weight. The studies to date suggest green coffee bean extract supplementation causes an average weight loss of about 2.5kg when compared to placebo. Is it the weight loss solution we’ve all be waiting for? Stay tuned for more details as scientists uncover more about this interesting bean.

Here’s a closer look at what the research is saying. A double-blind, placebo controlled study, out of the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, reported that green coffee bean extract appears to reduce weight in overweight adults. The study found overweight adults shifted into a healthy weight range while taking green coffee bean extract. How does green coffee bean extract cause weight loss? It is likely thanks to chlorogenic acid. Scientists think chlorogenic acid blocks fat absorption and slows the release of sugar into the blood stream. However, more studies are needed.

Here's the studies if you'd like to read more:

Onakpoya I., et al. The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011;2011. pii: 382852. Epub 2010 Aug 31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20871849

Vinson JA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2012;5:21-7. Epub 2012 Jan 18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22291473 

My Confession:

Weight loss isn't easy! This time of year I LOVE to bundle up under a blanket on the couch and stuff my face with baked goods. I'm sure I'm carrying around a few extra pounds. And, soon enough spring will come, my clothes will be tight and I'll be faced with having to shed those pounds. How will I do it? More exercise, more vegetables, more water...and far less couch and baked goods. But, for now - it sure is cozy here on the couch.