Green tea has long been known for its weight loss properties but now health experts are touting green coffee as a slimming aid rival.
A team of researchers from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found green coffee bean extracts can help with weight-loss after they tested the effects of the bean on a group of obese volunteers.
“Taking multiple capsules of green coffee extract a day, while eating a low fat, healthful diet and exercising regularly, appears to be a safe, effective, inexpensive way to lose weight,” researcher author Joe Vinson said in a statement.
The study involved giving 1,050mg of low dose green coffee bean extract to 16 obese participants, who were then monitored over the following 22 weeks. During this period their diet, heart rate, exercise patterns and blood pressure were measured.
After the 22-week period, the volunteers shed 17lbs each, which was a total of 10.5% of the group’s overall body weight. Overall, 35% of participants lost more than 5% of their body weight.
The researchers believe that the reasons behind the weight-loss could be down to it reducing the absorption of fat and glucose in the gut. It may also decrease insulin levels, which improves metabolic function.
They also added that people should be urged to use the beans in moderation as there is still more research to be done. “It’s a supplement, not a substitute. The emphasis will always need to be on overall diet and physical activity,” adds Vinson.
Although the study was small, Vinson hopes that this will pave the way for more research into the weight-loss effects of green coffee bean extracts. The study revealed that a larger trial of 60 people is being planned.
Another study this week revealed that eating chocolate regularly keeps you slim while popcorn was found to contain more antioxidants than fruit and vegetables.
Keep up-to-date with the latest health fads with our round-up of the best new superfoods.