Unroasted beans contain significantly less caffeine, but it is not recommended to abuse the drink, especially if there are contraindications to its use. Wild coffee trees were first discovered in Ethiopia. Local residents used the raw fruits as a means of giving energy and increasing tone. Only in the 12th century did they begin to make a drink from coffee berries, but the fruits were not subjected to heat treatment. Several centuries later, people learned to roast grains, grind them and pour hot water, adding all kinds of spices for flavor and milk.
Composition and characteristics
Raw green grains contain more than 800 essential oils, carbohydrates make up about 50% of the total mass, proteins - 10%. The product has a low glycemic index (40) and calorie content: 100 g contains 220 kcal, that is, one cup of the drink contains only 2 kcal. Green coffee has less caffeine than traditional black coffee - about 40 mg.
In addition, the composition is represented by the following components:
- pectin and fiber,
- vitamins of groups PP, E, C,
- tannins,
- amino acids,
- alkaloids, including theophylline and caffeine,
- wax,
- minerals,
- organic acids,
- tocopherols.
A product with antioxidant properties helps protect the body from the destructive effects of free radicals; the polyunsaturated fatty acids contained reduce the risk of blood clots, improving blood composition. Green grains are good for weight loss due to the chlorogenic acid they contain, which slows down the process of fat accumulation in the body. Phenolic compounds help improve the functioning of the nervous system, and amino acids strengthen the immune system.
With regular consumption of the drink, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves, blood vessels are strengthened, and toxins and salts of heavy metals are eliminated faster. Green coffee has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to the tannins it contains. Drinks and oils from raw berries are used to get rid of wrinkles, care for dull and dehydrated skin, and strengthen and shine hair.
Beneficial features
Green coffee is considered more beneficial for humans than black coffee due to its low caffeine content, high antioxidant properties, and a large number of valuable substances in its composition. A drink made from unprocessed coffee berries, when consumed in moderation, has a positive effect on the body, improving overall well-being and health. The main beneficial properties include the following:
- decreased blood sugar levels;
- prevention of premature aging;
- increased physical and mental activity;
- assistance in the rapid healing of wounds, the fight against scars and stretch marks;
- increased blood pressure (useful for people suffering from hypotension);
- acceleration of metabolism, improvement of lymphatic drainage;
- increasing blood clotting and vascular elasticity;
- suppression of the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the body;
- relief from headaches and intestinal problems.
Moderate amounts of unroasted coffee ensure normal heart function. The product is recommended for people exposed to stress and suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Green grains are widely used in the cosmetology field to improve skin and hair health due to their moisturizing, strengthening and toning properties.
Features of use
The recommended dose of caffeine, which will not harm, but will help improve the functioning of vital systems and organs, is 300 mg. It is best to prepare the drink yourself in a Turk, French press or coffee machine. Instant coffee does not contain the same amount of beneficial components as those found in unprocessed beans. Initially, the grains should be ground so that the drink has a pronounced taste and intense aroma of essential oils. For this, it is best to use a hand grinder, since an electric grinder will not be able to grind hard green berries well. In addition, the manual process is slower; the grains do not have time to heat up, which means they retain all their valuable properties.
Crushed coarse grains (about 1.5 mm) should be poured into a Turk with cold water (2 spoons per 200 ml, it all depends on the desired strength of the drink). The mixture should be heated to 90 degrees, without boiling. Otherwise, the drink will lose its special aroma and taste.
You should drink green coffee between meals and no more than 3 cups per day. Brewed green coffee berries go well with ginger. The finished product reduces the level of bad cholesterol, relieves inflammation, and strengthens the immune system. People trying to lose weight should brew coffee with cinnamon or chicory. A few peas of black pepper add a wonderful aroma to the drink, and cardamom adds spice and a sweetish taste. If desired, you can drink green coffee with sugar and milk.
Proper roasting and brewing
To make green coffee, the beans should be ground well. As a result, the drink will become more aromatic and acquire a rich taste. A regular coffee grinder will not be effective in this case. Green grains are very strong; it is better to grind them using a hand mill or mechanical grinder. You can make the process easier by pre-soaking it overnight. The grind should be medium in size, up to 1.5 mm.
To improve the taste of the drink, it is better to roast the grains. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this will destroy some of its beneficial substances. Frying is carried out in a cast iron frying pan over low heat. The raw materials are laid out in 1 - 2 layers and constantly mixed with a wooden spatula. The duration of frying depends on taste preferences and takes from 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you roast, the darker the grains will become. It's better to dry them just a little.
You can brew coffee in a coffee pot or in a Turkish coffee pot.
The brewing procedure is as follows:
- Pour water into the coffee pot and heat to 90 - 95 degrees, the water should be about to boil, but should not be boiled;
- remove the coffee pot from the heat and put coffee in it;
- leave for 5 minutes to infuse;
- The solution should be filtered before use.
You can brew coffee in a coffee pot or in a Turkish coffee pot.
Raw materials are added at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per mug, depending on the desired strength. You can brew coffee powder in a regular cup by pouring boiling water over a teaspoon of ground beans and letting it brew for 5 minutes.
- The Comprehensive Guide to Roasting Coffee at Home
The daily intake of coffee is from one to two cups.
Sugar is added to the drink or drunk unsweetened. No cream or milk is added to it. It is better to take it 15 minutes before meals or half an hour after meals.
Green coffee for weight loss
Green coffee beans help effectively fight extra pounds, so many nutritionists recommend including this product in your daily menu. American scientists have proven that the drink really helps to reduce body weight when consumed regularly between meals, 100 or 200 ml. The maximum daily intake is 600 ml (about three large cups). Green coffee reduces fat absorption by almost 50%, while a traditional drink made from roasted beans by only 15%. However, do not forget about moderate physical activity and a healthy diet.
The effectiveness of green coffee for weight loss is due to its ability to suppress sugar cravings due to its high chromium content. People who drink the drink half an hour before meals eat much less than usual. The product is also useful for the manifestations of cellulite. You can get rid of the “orange peel” by regularly making wraps from crushed grains.
How to drink correctly
It is correct to drink this coffee drink without adding sugar. It is recommended to use it a quarter of an hour before a meal or 30 minutes after a meal. You should drink no more than two servings per day.
Only with moderate consumption of green coffee will there be a positive effect on the body
Green coffee for weight loss
Losing weight with the help of a coffee drink is really possible. However, in addition to consuming it, you need to follow a diet and adhere to the following recommendations:
- reduce calorie intake;
- minimize the amount of fats and quickly digestible carbohydrates in the menu;
- drink at least two liters of water per day;
- exercise;
- clearly plan the nutrition system.
With an integrated approach, calories will begin to be burned and properly processed. In addition, it will be possible to remove toxins from the body. Naturally, all this will have a positive effect on the general condition of the body, and the weight will gradually decrease.
Green coffee and ginger
For weight loss, it is recommended to drink a coffee drink with the addition of ginger root. Its preparation is carried out as follows:
- Bring 3 liters of water to a boil.
- Add 75 g of ground beans to the composition.
- Boil the liquid for 15 minutes.
- Strain the drink.
- A small amount of ginger is grated and added to the composition.
To achieve the desired result, it is recommended to drink 200 ml of coffee-ginger drink daily
The optimal time for use is a quarter of an hour before meals. Thanks to this, it will be possible to dull the feeling of hunger and activate the process of burning calories.
Contraindications and possible harm
Harm to health is possible not from the product itself, but from its excessive consumption. A person who drinks more than 600 ml of green coffee may experience increased heart rate and rapid breathing, which indicates a problem with the heart. In addition, sleep disturbance, irritability, nervousness, and headaches cannot be ruled out. On the digestive side, negative effects such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation may be observed. All this can be avoided if you follow the recommendations for consumption and do not exceed the daily allowance.
The main contraindications to taking unroasted coffee beans are the following:
- osteoporosis,
- pregnancy,
- high blood pressure,
- lactation period,
- irritable bowel syndrome,
- glaucoma,
- children up to 14 years old,
- bleeding disorders,
- exacerbation of a stomach ulcer or gastritis.
It is worth noting that coffee drinks lead to dehydration, so the amount of liquid you drink needs to be increased. If green coffee is consumed for weight loss, then sugar should not be added. Mixing with a small amount of fructose or stevia is acceptable.
Contraindications
Excessive consumption of green coffee leads to health problems
Excessive consumption of green coffee leads to health problems. The norm must be followed. Side effects include:
- blood pressure increases;
- heart rate increases;
- headache occurs;
- drowsiness and fatigue appear;
- gastrointestinal disorder is observed.
Coffee leaches beneficial minerals from the body, leading to fragility and brittleness of bones, damage to teeth, and osteochondrosis.
Reducing or stopping the consumption of green coffee is necessary if nervous disorders occur frequently. The drink is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women and children. Green coffee is contraindicated for atherosclerosis, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Selection and storage
When choosing a high-quality natural product, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Color. Real grains cannot be emerald or rich green. They should have an olive, light gray, greenish-brown or pistachio tint.
- Size. All grains should be approximately the same in size.
- Smell. The aroma of coffee berries is not sharp, reminiscent of dried grass.
- Bean quality. Uneven edges, holes, and depressions indicate damage to the fruit by insects, and black spots indicate the beginning of the rotting process.
In addition, you should buy a product without oil deposits and traces of moisture. The packaging must be hermetically sealed and made from environmentally friendly materials.
Green coffee that is not subject to heat treatment can retain its excellent taste for one year. However, it should be stored in cardboard, glass, and ceramic containers. Metal or plastic containers are not acceptable. The grains retain their properties at moderate temperatures (20 to 25 degrees) and low humidity (50%). Do not store the product in the refrigerator or in a brightly lit place.
