Green Coffee Bean Extract Reviews, Benefits, and Side Effects

Unlike how its name suggests, green coffee bean is actually a seed taken from the pit of a coffee plant. The seed gains its name due to its similarities to the true bean. This particular seed is naturally green and its roasted version has a deep brown texture just like any ordinary coffee bean. But what this seed is most known for is its significant weight loss properties.

Since its appearance in The Dr. Oz show in 2012 as a “miracle” weight loss supplement, Green coffee bean extract has sky rocketed in sales. This supplement does not depend on caffeine as a weight loss chemical as there isn't quite as much caffeine in it compared to its regular roasted cousins. In fact, the bean loses a significant amount of the weight loss chemical when roasted; meaning, the unroasted version of the plant's seed is the most beneficial.

The secret lies in the chemical known as chlorogenic acid which is found in the seed's natural state. By itself this chemical has been used to treat heart disease and diabetes as well as help with weight loss.

Chlorogenic acid is an antioxidant that may slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal, thus reducing the amount of sugar your body absorbs when eating. By reducing the amount of sugar the body takes in, it helps in treating diabetes while at the same time assists non-diabetic individuals in losing weight. By preventing glucose from being absorbed, no real change is needed in your diet as you can consume the same amount of food and let the antioxidant do the work for you.

Using this supplement as instructed has resulted in a healthy reduction of weight averaging around 1 lbs. per week depending on the brand used.

According to WebMD, side effects are minor and are mainly related to the caffeine present in the coffee beans:

“Caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, increased heart and breathing rate, and other side effects. Consuming large amounts of coffee might also cause headache, anxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats.” - WebMD

That being said, it is recommended that you consult a physician prior to taking this supplement. This word of caution is especially applicable to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Green coffee bean extract can be bought as a pill supplement and is available online or in health stores. It is to be taken before each meal and no more than three times a day – it’s as simple as that. No additional change in diet or routine is needed as the pill itself allows the body to steadily burn fat at a healthy rate. Changes aren't immediate, but results, according to the Dr. Oz Show, reveal that a month of using the pill with no change in diet or exercise resulted in a loss of two pounds in two weeks. Others, like in the video below, claim to observe as much as nine to eleven pounds in the first week when using high quality green bean extract.

However, not all green coffee bean extracts are the same and with the surge of publicity, marketers have been vying to take advantage of consumers by selling cheaper, ineffective products. Before considering buying the extract from a particular brand, be sure to check out this video:

In short, there are three things to remember when looking for a particular brand:

1. Make sure that the supplement is made in the USA or Europe.
2. Avoid formulas with ephedrine, which is a low quality sign.
3. Verified, verified and VERIFIED! Always purchase verified supplements - that is your high quality guarantee.

Given the quantity of manufacturers competing in the marketplace today this is an understandable concern expressed by a large majority of consumers. Thus, let's begin with my three favorites:

A popular product is Nature Wise's Green Coffee Bean Extract 800 with GCA. This supplement is designed to boost metabolism activity to burn sugar and fat thus promote weight loss, but without the unpleasant side effects of a heightened heart rate or jittery-like reactions. According to the manufacture "over the course of 12 weeks, the average man and woman lost 17 pounds by taking green coffee bean extract several times per day, making no other changes to their diet or exercise." - NatureWise

Another trustworthy, high-quality product is Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract manufactured by Apex Natural. Made in the USA, this 800mg extra-strength capsule contains 100% natural ingredients and has a proven reputation for effectively burning both sugar and fat when taking regularly. In a recent International Business Times article, it was cited this supplement by Apex Natural "for natural weight loss has begun receiving top reviews and testimonials from customers on Amazon who are recognizing the quality of the product." - International Business Times

Trusted Nutrients is also a popular source for superior quality 100% Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract. Specially formulated as a non-stimulate, this company takes pride in advertising this supplement as a "triple threat. First, it reduces the flow of glucose (sugar), into the body, second, it burns fat, and third, it increases the metabolism." And, in a "U.S. National Library of Medicine" study the results were conclusive: "Participants...without making any other changes to their diet or workout routines lost an average of 17 pounds each!" - Trusted Nutrients

Green coffee bean extract is a great weight loss supplement that allows you to shed pounds with little to no change in diet or lifestyle. Provided that you are using a recommended brand-name product and are taking the supplement consistently, you can expect a steady loss of around 4 lbs. pounds per month. The minimal, caffeine-related side effects, if any, make this product an overall safe, healthy and comfortable choice for those who want to lose the weight but cannot find the time to adjust their busy schedule to take on a demanding exercise regimen or a tedious calorie counting diet program.