Why do People Take Green Coffee Bean Extract?
Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCBE) is derived from the raw seeds of coffee bean, also known as the
Coffea fruit. In recent years, Green Coffee Bean has become a popular dietary supplement due its powerful health benefits.
Some of the most recognized benefits of GCBE may include improved circulation, normalized blood glucose levels
[1] and blood pressure
[2], as well as increased cognitive function and energy.
[3] Some research suggests it may also support a healthy weight.
[4] The plant’s potency stems from a compound present in the fruit known as Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol with important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
[5]
This article explains how to take GCBE, i.e. recommended dosages, side effects and important interactions with other herbs or medications. For more information about the benefits and effects of GCBE, check out our
blog posts. If you’ve been curious about GCBE and are unsure on how and when to take it, take a read through this post!
![]()
How Much Green Coffee Bean Extract to Take?
Currently, there is no standardized dosage for Green Coffee Bean Extract. However, research indicates dosage depends on various factors including weight, tolerance to caffeine, and the presence of health conditions (i.e. cardiovascular or digestive conditions, and anxiety). It also depends on the amount of chlorogenic acid found in the supplement, as these vary between brands. The more concentrated the percentage of chlorogenic acid, the lower the serving size, and vice versa.
Recommended doses of GCBE in regards to chlorogenic acid concentration:
- Higher doses ranging between 800-3000 mg standardized to 10% chlorogenic acid
- Medium doses of 600-1500 mg standardized to 20 % chlorogenic acid
- Low doses of 200-600 mg standardized to 50% chlorogenic acid
In terms of general dosing, always follow user guidelines found product labels. Do not exceed doses of 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg without medical supervision. Consult your doctor before trying this supplement.
How to Take Green Coffee Bean Extract?
GCBE supplements should be taken in the early morning. You can take it as a capsule or add a powdered form to your favorite drinks or smoothies.
Because GCBE contains, it should not be taken in the evening or night time, as it can interfere with your sleep.
Although caffeine is safe for adults, high doses can cause digestive upset for those with gut sensitivities. To avoid this, consume GCBE with meals, i.e. with breakfast or before lunch
Are There Any Side Effects or Drug Interactions?
GCBE side effects are mild and similar to reactions with roasted coffee. Some may experience heart palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, indigestion, frequent urination and allergic reactions
[6][7] If you experience heart problems or are sensitive to caffeine, please consult your primary healthcare provider before taking this product.
GCBE may not be safe for individuals with poor nutrient absorption. This is because stimulants like caffeine affect mineral absorption of important minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
[8] In fact, a study on mice suggested long-term consumption of GCBE may cause alveolar bone loss. However, this was based on a murine model; further research on humans is needed to confirm this adverse effect.
[9]
Furthermore, GCBE in high doses taken for a short period has been shown to increase homocysteine levels – these are linked to heart disease. Avoid this product if you have any cardiovascular condition.
[10]
There is not sufficient research regarding the safety of Green Coffee Bean Extract supplements on breastfeeding and pregnant women nor on infants. For this reason, please consult your doctor before trying this product.
![]()
Conclusion
To summarize, Green Coffee Bean Extract is great for energy, cognition, and circulation. It became popular due to its perceived weight loss benefits, though research is conflicted in this regard.
Green Coffee Bean Extract is best consumed in the morning or early lunch time and is most effective in doses of 200-600 mg daily. It is preferable to consume it with food, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or have digestive issues.
Please consult your healthcare provider before taking this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions, especially cardiovascular problems, bleeding and gut disorders, and nervousness. Avoid taking this product with stimulant medications or drugs as it may increase heart rate.
References
[1] Thom E. (2007). ‘The effect of chlorogenic acid enriched coffee on glucose absorption in healthy volunteers and its effect on body mass when used long-term in overweight and obese people’,
Journal of International Medical Research, 35(6), pp.900-908. doi: 10.1177/147323000703500620. PMID: 18035001.
[2] Kozuma K. Tsuchiya S. Kohori J.
et al. (2005). ‘Antihypertensive effect of green coffee bean extract on mildly hypertensive subjects’,
Hypertension Research, 28(9), doi: 10.1291/hypres.28.711. PMID: 16419643.
[3] Shen W. Qi R. Zhang J.
et al. (2012). ‘Chlorogenic acid inhibits LPS-induced microglial activation and improves survival of dopaminergic neurons’,
Brain Research Bulletin, pp.88(5), pp.487-494. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.04.010. Epub 2012 May 2. PMID: 22580132.
[4] Cho A.S. Jeon S.M. Kim M.J.
et al. (2010). ‘Chlorogenic acid exhibits anti-obesity property and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced-obese mice’,
Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 48(3), pp.937-943. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.01.003. Epub 2010 Jan 12. PMID: 20064576.
[5] Cho E.S. Jang Y.J. Hwang M.K.
et al. (2009). ‘Attenuation of oxidative neuronal cell death by coffee phenolic phytochemical’,
Mutation Research, 661(1-2), pp.18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2008.10.021. Epub 2008 Nov 5. PMID: 19028509.
[6] Onakpoya, I. Terry, R. & Ernst, E. (2011). ‘The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials’,
Gastroenterology Research and Practice, 382852. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/382852
[7] Temple J.L. Bernard C. Lipshultz S.E.
et al. (2017). ‘The Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review’,
Front Psychiatry, 8:80. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00080. PMID: 28603504; PMCID: PMC5445139.
[8] Bergman E.A. Massey L.K. Wise K.J
et al. (1990). ‘Effects of dietary caffeine on renal handling of minerals in adult women’
Life Science, 47(6) pp.557-564. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(90)90616-y. PMID: 2402180.
[9] Abbass M.M.S. & El-Baz D.A. (2018). ‘The effect of daily intake of green coffee bean extract as compared to Agiolax® on the alveolar bone of albino rats’,
Dental and Medical Problems. 55(2), pp.125-131. doi: 10.17219/dmp/90983. PMID: 30152614.
[10] Olthof M.R. Hollman P.C. Zock P.L.
et al. (2001). ‘Consumption of high doses of chlorogenic acid, present in coffee, or of black tea increases plasma total homocysteine concentrations in humans’,
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 73(3), pp.532-528. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/73.3.532. PMID: 11237928.
