Is it healthy to eat coffee beans?
There have long been mixed opinions about whether coffee is good or bad for us. The consensus at the moment seems to be that it has many positive health benefits that outweigh the negatives.
One of the main ways coffee is considered good for us is because of its high antioxidant content. Coffee is actually in a group of antioxidants called dietary phenolic compounds. These antioxidants are said to protect us from cardiovascular disease, inflammation and other nasty things.
While these antioxidants can be found in a wide variety of plant-based foods and drinks, coffee is a particularly good source. It's no surprise that whole coffee beans, undiluted, are loaded with antioxidants.
Nutritionally, 1 ounce (30 grams) of coffee beans contains about 85 calories, 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of fiber.
Sleep disturbance
It is known that the effects of caffeine can last up to 9.5 hours after consumption. Because of this, excessive consumption of coffee beans can cause serious problems falling asleep. In addition, excessive intake of this substance into the body is associated with other side effects:
- increased anxiety symptoms such as palpitations, nausea, and feelings of stress;
- withdrawal symptoms, including headache, restlessness, fatigue, tremors and poor concentration if you suddenly abstain from coffee;
- increased risk of pregnancy problems such as miscarriage, low birth weight and early birth.
If you experience increased anxiety and are constantly on edge, limit and completely avoid caffeine products.
Anna Khilkevich said that she wants to change her daughter’s name. And showed her face
The expert named the real reason for the death of the unsinkable Titanic
A waiter in a medical mask read an offensive message under the bill.
Likewise, if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, try reducing your caffeine intake gradually.
Are there any bad side effects from eating coffee beans?
Any health benefits from coffee are enhanced by eating the beans, as are any negative effects.
If you find that brewed coffee causes heartburn or other unwanted side effects, they may get worse if you chew the coffee beans in any significant amount.
Eating too many grains can also have a laxative effect or even lead to increased cholesterol levels . Of course, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition that means you need to eliminate or limit caffeine or acidic foods/drinks, drinking coffee beans is probably not a good idea. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Benefits of whole fruits
Coffee beans give the body not only vigor and energy. Thanks to the content of essential oils and acids, beans sanitize the oral cavity and freshen breath. As an alternative to chewing gum, you can eat coffee beans whole. This is disinfection and effective prevention of caries.
Theobromine balances blood glucose. Tannin has an antibacterial effect, removes toxins, and improves digestion. Theophylline is a natural prevention of thrombosis, a stimulant of the respiratory system.
The content of amino acids in grains has a beneficial effect on the immune system and ensures vascular tone. Lipids are protectors of the nervous system. And fiber is essential for controlling cholesterol levels. If the body receives it in sufficient quantities, the risk of developing cancer is significantly reduced.
Chlorogenic acid is a strong antioxidant of natural origin. It stimulates metabolism and the functioning of the circulatory system. As a result, the accumulation of fats is reduced and blood vessels are cleansed. Those who strive for an ideal figure can additionally eat coffee beans.
Chlorogenic acid almost completely evaporates during heat treatment (roasting). Therefore, supporters of a healthy lifestyle eat only raw, green beans.
What about caffeine content?
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when consuming coffee beans is the additional caffeine you are taking.
There have been a number of studies suggesting that caffeine may have all sorts of health benefits. These include improved memory and protection against diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and even some types of cancer.
However, while we all have different caffeine tolerances, it's important to keep in mind that the recommended safe level of caffeine for adults is around 400 mg per day (children should avoid it altogether).
This equals about four cups of brewed coffee. Typically, coffee beans can contain up to 6 mg each. So, it's worth tracking how much you eat, especially if you also drink other caffeinated drinks.
Conclusion
- You can and often even need to eat coffee beans: they sanitize the oral cavity and prevent the development of caries.
- One of the most popular ways of consumption is coffee beans in chocolate, individual dragees or bars.
- People with weak teeth and gums are not recommended to eat coffee beans, so as not to damage the enamel and teeth.
- 10-20 grains per day will not harm a healthy person. But they do contain caffeine, so be careful with the amount of coffee.
How do I know if I have too much caffeine?
We've all been there. This leads to headaches, fluctuations and mood swings. Other symptoms that indicate you've taken too much caffeine include insomnia, increased heart rate, and muscle tremors.
Consume too much (more than 500 mg per day) on a regular basis, and you could be looking at liver damage, high blood pressure, and addiction, which can lead to a withdrawal period when you stop drinking.
Again, this is worth keeping in mind if you decide to start snacking on coffee beans.
Easy source of caffeine
It is known that caffeine is very good at stimulating the activity of our nervous system. On average, 8 coffee beans provide as much caffeine as one cup of coffee. However, your body will get caffeine from whole coffee beans faster than from liquid coffee.
She cut her hair and lost weight: Poroshina visited the theater where her mother worked for 40 years
Get over yourself and take the first step: how to teach your child to make friends
Leonid Yakubovich has an adult son, whom few people know by sight: photo
Caffeine affects your brain and central nervous system, which provides many benefits. For example, it can increase energy and productivity, as well as improve memory and mood.
One study found that drinking 2 cups of coffee with 200 mg of caffeine is the equivalent of about 17 coffee beans and is as effective as taking a 30-minute nap. And in another study, 60 mg of caffeine (1 cup of espresso or 5 coffee beans) led to improvements in satisfaction, mood and attention.
Caffeine works by suppressing the hormone adenosine, which causes drowsiness and fatigue. This chemical can also improve physical performance and weight loss by boosting metabolic processes.
Animal and human studies suggest that green coffee bean extract may lower blood pressure. However, keep in mind that these benefits are based on observational studies rather than rigorous and controlled studies. Therefore, more experiments are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Can you eat coffee grounds?
Yes, coffee grounds are also suitable for use. Again in moderation. It's also good as a fertilizer and makes a great body scrub, among many other household uses!
Hopefully we've answered all your questions and even dispelled some myths about eating coffee beans. So, the next time you want to try those chocolate covered espresso beans you saw on sale at your favorite cafe, you can snack with confidence!
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.
A little history of chewing coffee beans
Historians claim that people initially started by chewing grains, following the example of wild goats. The shepherds noticed that the goats, eating leaves and fruits from the coffee trees, were active and full of energy. Following them, people began to chew the grains, appreciating all the benefits of the invigorating effect.
African tribes used coffee beans as an energy boost during long marches, and to keep them full they mixed them with animal fat and rolled them into balls. The food was stored for a long time, had a pleasant taste and gave strength to overcome the deserts. Today, raw grains are no longer eaten; roasted grains, which are not only tasty, but also healthy, are another matter.
Potential Health Benefits
Although many studies have examined the benefits of coffee as a beverage, few have examined the effects of consuming whole coffee beans.
However, consuming coffee beans likely provides the same health benefits as drinking the beverage. Here are some potential health benefits of whole coffee beans.
Excellent source of antioxidants
Coffee beans contain powerful antioxidants, the most common of which is chlorogenic acid, a health-promoting polyphenol (4).
Research shows that chlorogenic acid may reduce the risk of diabetes and may fight inflammation. Some studies suggest it may also have anti-cancer properties (5, 6, 7, 8).
The amount of chlorogenic acid in coffee beans varies depending on the type of coffee bean and roasting methods (9).
In fact, roasting can cause a 50-95% loss of chlorogenic acid—though coffee beans are still considered one of the best sources of this polyphenol (10).
An easily digestible source of caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in a variety of foods and drinks, including coffee and tea.
On average, eight coffee beans contain as much caffeine as one cup of coffee.
Your body absorbs caffeine from whole coffee beans faster than from liquid coffee (2, 3).
Caffeine affects your brain and central nervous system, which has many beneficial effects. For example, this substance may increase energy levels and alertness, improve mood, memory, and productivity (11, 12, 13).
One study found that drinking 2 cups of coffee with 200 mg of caffeine—the equivalent of about 17 coffee beans—was as effective as taking a 30-minute nap in reducing driving errors (14).
In another study, 60 mg of caffeine—about 1 espresso or 5 coffee beans—led to improvements in satisfaction, mood, and attention (15).
This all happens because caffeine suppresses the hormone adenosine, which causes drowsiness and fatigue (16).
This chemical may also improve physical performance and weight loss by improving metabolism (17, 18).
Other Potential Benefits
Observational studies suggest that coffee also has other benefits, including reducing the risk of developing the following diseases and conditions (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26):
- death from all causes
- heart disease and stroke
- certain types of cancer
- liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver
- diabetes mellitus type 2
- brain diseases and conditions such as depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Animal and human studies also show that green coffee bean extract may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (27, 28, 29).
However, keep in mind that these benefits were found in observational studies rather than strictly controlled studies. Therefore, more research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Summary:
Coffee beans are a concentrated source of antioxidants and caffeine. They have anti-inflammatory properties that protect against certain diseases and improve energy levels and mood.
