If you’re like most people, you probably start your day with a hot cup of coffee. But what do you know about the coffee bean itself? What is coffee fruit extract?
Coffee fruit extract is a natural compound that can be found in the coffee plant. This extract has been shown to have many health benefits, including weight loss and improved heart health. Click To Tweet
What is coffee fruit extract? Does it have health benefits? Is it safe to take long term? Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
What is coffee fruit?
Coffee beans you know. Coffee fruit, probably not.
Coffee fruit is derived from the same plant as the coffee bean. It is usually thrown away during the coffee-making process.
In recent years, coffee fruit has reemerged in the health and wellness world as a trendy superfood. Coffee fruit extracts have found their way into juices, herbal teas, and food supplements.
This article will discuss the health and nutrition benefits of coffee fruit as well as common ways to include it in your diet.
What is coffee fruit extract?
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Coffee fruit is produced by the coffee plant. Because of its appearance, it is often called coffee cherries or coffee berries.
The coffee fruit is usually small and green and turns deep red or purple as it ripens. The coffee bean is found inside the fruit and is technically classified as a seed.
The coffee beans are extracted during coffee production. The fruit is usually thrown away.
Because of the emerging research on its health effects, the coffee fruit is becoming a popular beverage and supplement ingredient.
The coffee fruit is the fruit of the beans. It was once thrown away during coffee production but is now used in supplements or drinks.
Does the coffee fruit have health benefits?
The coffee fruit has been associated with quite a few health benefits for humans.
1. Coffee fruit is high in antioxidants
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The coffee fruit is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
Antioxidants neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals which can cause cell damage and chronic diseases over time.
The fruit is rich in antioxidant compounds, including rutin, chlorogenic, protocatechuic, and gallic acids.
A small study of 20 athletes showed that taking 800mg of coffee fruit extract daily for 4 weeks increased antioxidant levels.
Similar results have been reported in animal and test-tube studies. The high antioxidant content of coffee fruit could enhance immune function and slow down cancer cell growth.
It is important to note that further research is needed to determine how antioxidants in coffee berries may impact human health.
Also, the processing methods can have a significant impact on the antioxidant content of coffee fruit products. One test-tube study found that extracts had an antioxidant activity up to 25 times greater than powders.
2. Coffee fruit could enhance brain health
Research suggests that coffee fruit may help slow the aging process and protect your brain.
One study of 71 senior adults with mild mental impairment found that eating coffee fruit extract for 28 days significantly reduced the time it took for them to react.
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Another small study found that 100mg of coffee fruit concentrate increased brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) levels by 143% in just 2 hours.
A review of 15 studies found that people with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of BDNF. This could mean that coffee fruit concentrate could be used to manage this condition.
Nonetheless, more research is needed to understand the potential brain health benefits of the coffee fruit.
2. Coffee fruit could support fat loss
Although limited research is available on the topic, some studies suggest that coffee and its components may help with fat loss.
In one study, coffee fruit extract was shown to promote the breakdown of fat cells and suppress the production of fat cells in a test tube.
Chlorogenic acid is also found in coffee fruit, which is effective in weight loss and fat burning.
Chlorogenic acid prevented fat gain and weight loss in mice that were fed high-fat diets for six weeks.
In a 12-week study of 150 overweight people, coffee enriched with chlorogenic acid significantly reduced both body and belly fat compared to a control group.
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However, it is important to remember that most of the current research on high-concentration coffee fruit extracts has been limited to animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to understand how coffee fruit extracts may affect weight loss and fat loss in humans.
Summary
High in antioxidants, coffee fruit may help with brain health and fat loss. Further research on humans is needed.
Are coffee fruit extracts safe for humans?
Although research on the safety of coffee fruit over long periods is still scarce, it is generally safe when consumed in moderation.
One animal study found that coffee fruit was well tolerated by rats and did not cause any adverse effects, even when given in high doses.
Keep in mind that coffee fruits contain caffeine. The exact amount of caffeine in each product varies depending on its dosage and form. However, most products contain between 5-20 mg per serving.
This is significantly lower than regular coffee which usually contains around 95mg of caffeine per cup (240ml).
Summary
Coffee fruit is generally safe if consumed in moderation. However, each cup contains a small amount of caffeine.
Where to buy coffee fruit extracts?
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You can find coffee fruit in many health shops and pharmacies. It comes in many forms, including liquid extracts, tablets, and capsules.
Supplements that claim to improve brain health or increase energy levels often contain the fruit. This is usually done in conjunction with a mix of other fruit extracts.
Studies have shown that 100-800 mg daily may be safe and well-tolerated by humans. There is currently no recommended dosage for these supplements.
Coffee fruit can also be found in juice blends and coffee cherry tea — also known as cascara which is a type of herbal tea brewed from dried skins of the coffee fruit. Click To Tweet
Coffee fruit extracts are also added to topical skincare products to improve skin texture and reduce inflammation. More research is needed to determine how coffee fruit affects skin health.
Before you take coffee fruit, talk to your healthcare provider if you have any underlying conditions or are on medication.
Conclusion
So, what is coffee fruit extract? Coffee fruit is the fruit of the coffee plant. It is rich in antioxidants which can be beneficial for brain function and fat loss.
Coffee fruit extracts are available in many forms such as juices, herbal teas, tablets, and capsules. However, there is not much research on the safety or long-term health effects that coffee fruit has on your health. Click To Tweet
Talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking these supplements.