Green coffee bean extract has anti-diabetic benefits

Green unroasted coffee beans may have multiple benefits for people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, according to new research which shows that an extract from these beans can help lower blood glucose levels, as well as reduce weight.

Joe Vinson, of the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, and colleagues previously observed that participants who consumed this green coffee extract over a period of 22 weeks lost about 10% of their body weight .

Building on their findings, they began to investigate whether the extract, which contains a high concentration of chlorogenic acids, had an effect on blood glucose.

Male and female participants of normal weight and without diabetes were given between 100 mg and 400 mg of the extract in a capsule with water each day, and then underwent glucose tolerance tests.

At the end of the study, the tests showed that the green coffee extract was successful in lowering the level of blood sugar in each participant.

Those who took the largest 400 mg dose experienced the biggest drop in blood glucose, though all doses produced a significant reduction, Vinson explained

In a statement, he said: "A simple natural pill or capsule that would both help control blood sugar and foster weight loss at the same time would be a major advance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

"Our own research and studies published by other scientists suggest that such a treatment may, indeed, exist."

The findings were presented this week at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2013 National Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2013/Apr/green-coffee-bean-extract-has-anti-diabetic-benefits-91144231.html