morning cup of coffee Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Green Coffee Health Benefits: Real or Imagined?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:08:45 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – What is green coffee? (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) What is green coffee? Before Dr. Oz featured it on his show this year, creating a global consumer feeding frenzy, it had already been investigated over thirty years ago for its possible liver-regenerating, detoxifying and anti-cancer properties.[i] [ii] [iii] (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) This is not to say that roasted coffee does not have its benefits too. In fact, research from the mid-80’s found that roasting coffee produces unique cancer-suppressing compounds not found in green coffee.[iv] Also, technically, the vast majority of studies performed on coffee’s health benefits are on the roasted form, as this is what most people consume globally. Research from the mid-80’s found that roasting coffee produces unique cancer-suppressing compounds not found in green coffee. There may also be unique mood-enhancing, even opiate-like properties in the roasted coffee bean associated with the fat-soluble compound known as cafestrol, which may not be found (or easily absorbed) in green coffee. But this “benefit” may also be a liability for those who may be prone to drinking too much, or feel they are prone to being “addicted” to habitual coffee consumption. But one thing that green coffee definitely has going for it is the fact that it is far higher in sheer antioxidant potential than roasted coffee, and most anything else we consume or drink on a daily basis. Some green coffee bean extracts score 2500 or higher on the ORAC scale, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – an abstract measurement of the potential for a substance to reduce oxidative stress. Compare this to an equal weight of blueberries, which scores 10, or Oranges which score 3. This is not to say that blueberries and oranges do not have their own unique health benefits beyond what the ORAC score can reveal – which they do! – but that the green coffee bean is simply a highly concentrated source of antioxidant compounds. And considering how stress, chemical exposures, dietary deficiencies and/or incompatibilities, all lead to increasing oxidative stress in the body (which is a cause of premature aging, cellular damage, and even increased risk for cancers) increasing antioxidant levels in our diet can make a world of difference. Keep in mind that green coffee really isn’t all that “new.” It is believed that cultivation of the coffee bean originated in the area of Arabia on the Red Sea over 900 years ago, and that at the time, the beans were not roasted but brewed in a manner quite similar to tea. [v] So, what are the likely health benefits of green coffee? Despite the present Oz-generated craze to identify green coffee consumption with weight loss, the primary finding is that it has beneficial blood pressure modulating properties. Green Coffee Lowers Blood Pressure Back in 2005, a study published in the journal Hypertension Research found that male volunteers with mild hypertension given various doses of a water-soluble green coffee bean extract (GCE) saw significant reductions , in a dose-related manner, in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.[vi] The subjects received either 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg of GCE once a day for 28 days. Another study performed in 2006 found similar blood pressure lowering results using 140 mg/day green coffee bean extract of chlorogenic acid . [vii] Finally, a study performed in 2007 found that green coffee is superior to roasted coffee in reducing blood pressure, due to its lower levels of hydroxyhydroquinone, a by-product of the roasting process.[viii] The ordinary coffee group experienced almost no effect. Green Coffee Reduces Weight and Body Mass Index, and May Improve Type 2 Diabetes In the most widely publicized study on green coffee, Dr. Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton lead a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled crossover study which found that the consumption of green coffee bean extract reduced weight in overweight subjects.[ix] Subjects received either a high dose green coffee extract (1050 mg), a lower dose (700 mg) or a placebo for six-weeks, followed by a two-week washout period to reduce any influence of preceding treatment. Primary measurements were body weight, body mass index, and percent body fat. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. The results were a significant reduction in observed body weight: “(-8.04± 2.31 kg), body mass index (-2.92 ± 0.85 kg/m(2)), and percent body fat (-4.44% ± 2.00%), as well as a small decrease in heart rate (-2.56 ± 2.85 beats per minute).” There we no significant changes to the diet over the course of the study, and impressively, body mass index for six subjects shifted from preobesity to the normal weight range. The study concluded: “The results are consistent with human and animal studies and a meta-analysis of the efficacy of green coffee extract in weight loss. The results suggest that GCA may be an effective nutraceutical in reducing weight in preobese adults, and may be an inexpensive means of preventing obesity in overweight adults.” Dr. Vinson believes that green coffee’s uniquely high concentration of chlorogenic acid relative to the roasted form may be responsible for some of its observed weight-loss promoting effects. Chlorogenic acid is known to increase the absorption of glucose, which offsets some of the insulin resistance and blood sugar elevations associated with type 2 diabetes. Indeed, there is a solid body of clinical literature linking chlorogenic acid to the well-known anti-diabetic properties of coffee. So, is green coffee a new “magic bullet,” or is it just another fad? We don’t know. But, relative to some of the pharmaceutical interventions used today to “treat” overweight and obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, the research thus far indicates green coffee may make for a promising natural alternative. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com To read the original article, click here

The post Green Coffee Health Benefits: Real or Imagined? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Chicory Root: The Coffee Substitute Loaded with Fiber

The AHA! Team — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:47:47 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Do you love your morning of cup of nutrition-rich coffee but find yourself worried about a caffeine overdose? Chicory root may be just the answer you’re looking for. This popular coffee substitute does so much more than just take the place of your favorite breakfast beverage. In addition to providing a boost of extra dietary fiber, chicory root adds a smooth, creamy texture to foods, which makes it a great fat replacement in ice creams, margarines and dressings for those looking to effortlessly increase weight loss. While this doesn’t necessarily replace all the high-quality fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other high-fiber foods, there are many potential health benefits of chicory root, making it a valuable addition to your daily diet. What Is Chicory Root? Chicory root comes from a perennial herbaceous plant of the dandelion family, which usually has bright blue flowers. Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, including endive or chicons, but ground chicory root is also used for baking or swapped in for coffee. Chicory root is a bit wood-like, and due to its fibrous composition, it’s not digested in the small intestine but instead maintains its form as is travels to the colon or large intestine. The chicory root (Cichorium Intybus) has been around for quite some time and has been cultivated since ancient Egypt. It has also been a popular addition to coffee in France since the 19th century, where it was commonly roasted and ground. Health Benefits 1. Can Help Reduce Stress Caffeine is one of the main ingredients found in coffee, and even small amounts are found in the decaffeinated versions. Consuming caffeine can exacerbate stress, so cutting back on your intake can really help lower levels of epinephrine and cortisol, both of which are released during stressful situations. A 2006 study published in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior showed that regular consumption of caffeine combined with stress caused a significant elevation in cortisol levels. Since chicory contains no caffeine, it’s a great substitute to help reduce your caffeine consumption and keep cortisol levels in check. 2. Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties Chicory is a great source of plant polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have the ability to help combat inflammation. A study conducted at the University of Pécs Medical School in Hungary found that consuming caffeine-free chicory coffee for one week led to significant improvements in red blood cell deformability, which describes the body’s ability to respond to inflammation by restoring cells to their original condition. This means that chicory can reduce inflammation, which is incredibly important. Why? Because inflammation is the root of most diseases, so reducing inflammation can help stave off many chronic health conditions before they even start. Although more research is needed to evaluate the effects of chicory root for thyroid health, it could also potentially relieve symptoms caused by autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s disease, which is a thyroid condition that causes symptoms like weight gain and fatigue. 3. May Protect the Liver Some research shows that chicory root extract can help protect against free radical formation to prevent possible toxicity to the liver. According to one animal study, treatment with chicory extract was able to help with alcohol-induced liver injury in experimental rats. These impressive results demonstrate that chicory extract is rich in natural antioxidants and effective at scavenging harmful free radicals. Therefore, it could potentially boost the defense system of the body while also cleansing the liver. 4. May Prevent or Delay the Onset of Diabetes There are many natural ways to manage and treat diabetes, and it all starts with diet. Chicory may be a good addition to a diabetic diet plan to help prevent or treat this common condition. In one study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, the effects of roasted chicory extract were examined in 47 healthy adult participants. Chicory root extract was found to improve levels of of adiponectin, a protein that regulates blood sugar levels as well as fatty acid breakdown, which suggests that chicory root extract could delay or prevent the early onset of diabetes as well as improve bowel movements due to its fiber content. 5. Helps Manage Osteoarthritis Interestingly enough, a clinical trial conducted by the Rheumatic Diseases Division at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine concluded that the extracts of chicory root may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help treat osteoarthritis. In the study, 18 participants over the age of 50 with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee were treated with chicory for one month. Of the 18 patients who completed treatment, at least 13 patients showed a 20 percent improvement in response to pain and stiffness, showcasing chicory’s ability to help treat this joint pain. Furthermore, “results of the pilot study suggested that a proprietary bioactive extract of chicory root has a potential role in the management of [osteoarthritis]. Only one patient treated with the highest dose of chicory discontinued treatment due to an adverse effects.” 6. Aids Gut Health Chicory root contains inulin, which is a prebiotic. In fact, a 100-gram serving of fresh chicory roots contains about 68 grams of inulin, making it one of the best food sources of prebiotics available. Prebiotics can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This is why you’re likely to see inulin, or chicory root fiber, in many probiotic supplements. Not only can promoting the growth of your good gut bacteria help enhance digestive health, but it may also boost immune function, optimize nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation as well. Plus, a 2022 study relayed that “chicory has been shown to promote good digestion, to regulate appetite, and to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.” 7. Can Relieve Constipation Chicory root fiber has been shown to relieve constipation, thanks in large part to its content of inulin. For example, research published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition examined the impact of daily consumption of chicory in older adults with constipation over a period of 28 days. The study revealed that “volunteers in the inulin group reported increased satisfaction about digestion and reduced defecation difficulties during the supplementation… Daily supplementation with 15 grams inulin improves constipation and quality of life in an elderly population with constipation.” Nutrition Facts Chicory is a great source of several key nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and manganese. Plus, it also contains a small amount of other micronutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. One raw chicory root (about 60 grams) contains approximately: Calories: 43.2 Total Carbohydrates: 10.5 g Fiber: 0.9 g Sugar: 5.2 g Total Fat: 0.1 g Saturated Fat: 0.03 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05 g Trans Fat: 0 g Protein: 0.8 g Sodium: 30 mg (1% DV*) Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg (6% DV) Manganese: 0.1 mg (4% DV) Potassium: 174 mg (4% DV) Vitamin C: 3 mg (3% DV) *Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day. Uses Chicory root fiber contains inulin, a type of plant-based carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes. It is typically produced by pulling the inulin from the roots of chicory plants, which creates chicory root extract. Inulin is classified as both a soluble fiber and a type of prebiotic. Soluble fiber can hold water and thicken, which can add bulk to foods. It’s one of the reasons that it’s widely used in recipes, along with its ability to retain moisture and create a creamy texture. Inulin is frequently found in low-fat or dairy-free yogurt, ice cream, and ready-to-drink protein shakes. Breads and baked goods may contain inulin to replace gluten as well. Soluble fibers also help slow down the time it takes for food to travel through the body, which can help you feel fuller for longer while also stabilizing blood sugar levels. Ice cream, yogurt, protein shakes, high-fiber/low-carb energy bars, cereals, breads and granola products often contain chicory root fiber. In addition to adding bulk to foods, it also makes products a bit healthier by boosting their fiber content, without adding extra calories. In addition, it’s cheap to manufacture and has a naturally sweet taste. This is yet another attractive characteristic for food manufacturers, as using a chicory root sweetener can bump up the flavor of foods without added sugar, calories or carbs. It also makes it a great addition to a ketogenic diet for those looking to quickly boost weight loss while also cutting back on carbs. Inulin’s pleasant taste and low cost are reasons why it’s been used in combination with coffee during times of shortages. In fact, that discovery led to what is still known today as New Orleans-style coffee or chicory root coffee, which is a blend of regular or decaffeinated coffee and chicory root powder. Wondering where to buy chicory root fiber? Thanks to its growing popularity, it can often be found at many supermarkets and health food stores. It’s also widely available online, either ground or in supplement form. Chicory Root vs. Psyllium Husk Chicory root and psyllium husk are both rich in fiber, which can be useful for maintaining blood sugar control and supporting regularity. Psyllium husk comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata, which grows worldwide but is most common in India. Meanwhile, chicory root fiber is the root of the chicory plant and has a pleasant, sweet taste. Both are commonly used as supplements in tablet or capsule form. Ground chicory root and psyllium husk can also be added to smoothies or shakes as well. Here’s a closer look at how the two stack up: Chicory Root Natural, plant-based starch Helps treat diabetes Relieves constipation Improves cholesterol levels Prebiotic High-fiber Can help remedy IBS Treats diarrhea Treats eczema Relieves gas and bloating Psyllium Husk Natural, plant-based starch Can help treat diabetes Relieves constipation Improves cholesterol levels Prebiotic High-fiber Treats diarrhea Helps eczema Relieves gas and bloating Reduces colon cancer risk and heart disease Treats hemorrhoids, hypertension and inflammatory bowel diseases Interesting Facts It’s thought that the coffee mixed with chicory concoction probably began in Holland and spread across other parts of Europe in the 1800s. Chicory root has traditionally been used in tea or in medicinal remedies to treat issues like jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism. While chicory became an American interest, coffee became the beverage of choice, and New Orleans became the second largest importer of coffee in the United States. However, it was during the American Civil War that Louisianans considered adding chicory root to their coffee due to the Union naval blockades cutting off shipments to the port. In fact, chicory root was often used in times of shortages of coffee and was even used in prisons to help stretch out the coffee supply. Acorns and beets were later used in place of coffee as well. However, chicory had a more similar flavor profile, making it a much better and more cost-effective match. Regardless, any Louisiana native will tell you that it’s not only one of the best and most delicious traditions, but it’s also a must-have when visiting. Known as the chicory in a café au lait, which is chicory coffee with hot milk, it has become an essential part of the history of New Orleans. You can find chicory a the grocery in the coffee aisle, and most claim that the few brands available all originated right in New Orleans. Risks and Side Effects There are numerous studies that still need to be conducted regarding chicory root fiber and chicory root extract. While research shows that there are several health benefits of chicory root, it’s always best to get fiber from whole foods whenever possible. If you have any underlying health conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before consuming chicory or taking a chicory root supplement. Chicory coffee is not recommended for women who are pregnant as it may trigger menstrual bleeding or miscarriage. Some people may also be allergic to chicory, which can cause...

The post Chicory Root: The Coffee Substitute Loaded with Fiber appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Newly-Developed Probiotic Coffee and Tea Expected to Yield REMARKABLE Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – If you’re one of those individuals who craves a cup of coffee or tea before starting your day, great news: your morning brew just got a lot healthier. At least, that’s what scientists at the National University of Singapore are hoping to accomplish – with the help of some friendly microbes. According to a March 21 statement from the university, two doctoral students have succeeded in adding live probiotics – beneficial microorganisms – to the popular beverages without sacrificing flavor, drinkability, or shelf life. Probiotics help maintain the health and balance of the gut microbiome, the community of “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract, in turn strengthening the immune system, fighting pathogens, and even supporting a stable mood. Clearly, probiotic coffee and tea sound like a win/win! Here Is How Probiotic Coffee and Tea Improve the Digestibility and Absorption of Nutrients Study supervisor Liu Shao Quan, an Associate Professor from the Department of Food Science and Technology at NUS, noted that probiotics are traditionally found in dairy-based foods, such as yogurt and soft cheeses. For vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals, plant-based probiotic beverages such as coffee and tea can provide a viable alternative. “The fermentation process creates compounds that improve nutrient digestibility while still retaining the health benefits associated with coffee and tea,” Prof. Liu declared. Each serving of probiotic coffee or tea contains at least one billion live probiotics, the daily amount recommended by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. The products can be stored, either chilled or at room temperature, for up to 14 weeks. Antioxidant-Rich Coffee Fights MULTIPLE Life-Threatening Illnesses Such as Cancer and Heart Disease, According to Science Doctoral student Alcine Chan crafted the new probiotic coffee by adding specific nutrients and live probiotics to brewed coffee, then fermenting the mixture for a day. Although the process sounds simple, Ms. Chan noted that the formulation was “tricky.” Not all types of probiotics can grow in coffee, she reported, and not all nutrients meshed well with the taste of coffee. Ultimately, she was satisfied with the results, saying that each prototype retains its distinctive coffee taste. The coffees also retain their original polyphenols, along with their caffeine. According to researchers at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, regular coffee drinking is associated with significantly lower odds of developing an array of serious diseases – including type 2 diabetes,heart disease, depression, obesity, liver cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, suicide, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Studies also support the ability of coffee to preserve memory and protect against falls in older people. Researchers say that it is not just the caffeine in coffee that drives its health benefits. Its chlorogenic acid, bioactive tannins, and potent antioxidants get some of the credit as well. Both Black and Green Tea Are Strongly Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory – Now, They Can Be Probiotic as Well Ms. Wang Rui, the student who created the probiotic tea, added nutrients and probiotics to a tea infusion and allowed it to ferment for two days. The final product, she reported, has a fruity, floral taste, with a similar “mouthfeel” to conventional tea. “Drinkers can add sweeteners, and milk, or cream, based on their preferences,” she noted. Ms. Rui added that any type of brewed tea could be used for the product. As with the coffee, the patented fermentation process allows for the polyphenols in tea to be retained. Tea, which contains beneficial compounds known as catechins, is credited with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Black tea is linked with improved immune function, while green tea can lower unwanted LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Both black and green tea have been linked in observational studies with longer lives. Support the Hard-Working Gut Microbiome With Probiotics Bacteria in the gut microbiome perform a range of indispensable functions, including absorbing nutrients, synthesizing vitamins, breaking down dietary fiber, destroying pathogens, and strengthening the immune system – 80 percent of which exists in the gut. “Friendly” bacteria also bind to toxins and carcinogens, promoting their excretion from the body. In fact, so important is the microbiome to health that bacterial imbalances can trigger autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Microbiome balance can be disturbed by unnecessary use of antibiotics, poor nutrition (a diet high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates), pharmaceutical medications, and normal aging. Fortunately, supplementary probiotics and probiotic foods can help encourage healthy microbial balance. Two types of bacteria, in particular, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, are probiotic “superstars” with an impressive array of benefits – which include increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol, regulating immune response, reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and reducing potentially cancer-causing DNA mutations. In a clinical study involving patients with type 2 diabetes and published in Nutrition, researchers found that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in yogurt improved fasting glucose and A1c, a measure of blood sugar control over time. Some people experience anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, and insomnia from caffeine, which is found in both coffee and tea. Naturally, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you shouldn’t drink these beverages. Or, you could try switching to decaffeinated varieties, which still provide some health benefits. Presumably, the field of probiotic enrichment will take the healthy contributions of coffee and tea to a whole new level – and do it without any noticeable loss of aroma and flavor of your morning “cuppa.” Naturally, if you don’t want to drink coffee (and still want to consume more probiotics, you can try adding miso soup, tempeh or sauerkraut to your diet. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com LifeExtension.com NIH.gov Harvard.edu PennMedicine.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Newly-Developed Probiotic Coffee and Tea Expected to Yield REMARKABLE Health Benefits appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.