You must be familiar with coffee beans if you enjoy a cup in the morning. But what is coffee fruit? The roasted seeds of the coffee fruit are what are used to make your morning cup of joe. The fruit is typically discarded after the seeds have been taken out. . However, studies have revealed that the coffee fruit has a number of uses and health advantages.
What Is Coffee Fruit? Coffee fruit, also known as coffee cherry or coffee berry, is a small, round stone fruit produced by the coffee plant. It is about the size of a grape and grows in bunches on the coffee plant. Its color changes from green to deep red, reddish-purple, or yellowish-red as it ripens. When it is unripe, it is green. The coffee bean lies within the pit of the stone fruit. Raw coffee beans are extracted from the fruit for processing and roasting to make coffee, while the fruit is discarded.
Types of Coffee Plants - Tropical climates are ideal for growing coffee, where plants can produce multiple berries at various stages of ripeness. There are two main types of coffee plants:.
Coffea Arabica (Arabica). This coffee originated in Ethiopia. Its coffee beans are flat and long. Arabica coffee is mild and aromatic and contains lower caffeine content than Robusta coffee. It accounts for 70% of the world's coffee supply.
Coffea canephora (Robusta). This coffee is grown in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Its beans are round and small. Robusta coffee is stronger than Arabica, containing 50% to 60% more caffeine than Arabica. It’s mainly used in blends and instant coffees. It accounts for 30% of the world’s coffee supply.
Nutrients in Coffee Fruit
- Caffeine
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- Chlorogenic acid
- Quinic acid
- Diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol)
Potential Health Benefits of Coffee Fruit
Coffee fruit is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols - Coffee berries have antioxidants and polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid. They defend your body against oxidative cell damage brought on by free radicals, which can lead to diseases.
Coffee fruit can protect your brain - According to studies, coffee fruit can help guard your brain against dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related illnesses. The procyanidins or polyphenols in coffee berries are what give them their protective properties. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that shields your brain cells from harm and enhances brain function, is increased by coffee fruit in your body.
Coffee fruit can lower blood pressure - Recent research has suggested that the chlorogenic acid in green coffee extract may be able to lower blood pressure. The risk of heart disease and stroke may be reduced by coffee berries. To precisely determine the effects of coffee fruit on heart health, however, more research is required.
Coffee fruit can promote weight loss - According to some studies, green coffee fruit extract may aid in weight loss promotion. According to studies, chlorogenic acid helps people lose weight and burn fat. However, more studies are required to demonstrate how coffee fruit can aid in weight loss in people.
Coffee fruit can boost immunity - The immune system can be strengthened and immune cells can be activated in mice, according to preliminary studies on coffee cherry extract. It might also be advantageous for human immune cells because of its nutritional qualities. Trials on humans, however, have not yet been conducted.
Coffee fruit has anti-cancer effects - The development and spread of cancer, particularly liver and endometrial cancer, are known to be prevented by coffee. The coffee fruit has anti-cancer properties, according to several studies conducted on animals. To determine whether coffee berries can aid in cancer prevention in humans, more research is necessary.
Coffee fruit can promote anti-aging - Your skin can look younger thanks to the potent antioxidants in coffee fruit, antioxidants extracts from coffee berries are used by several manufacturers in skincare and cosmetic products.
Health Risks - Although coffee fruit has many health advantages, you should still consume it in moderation. High doses can have negative health effects. Although research indicates that high doses of coffee fruit extracts are poorly tolerated by animals, we still need to conduct safety and efficiency studies in humans.
Uses of Coffee Fruit - Coffee Fruits comes in form of juices, extracts, pills, and capsules, coffee fruit products are available at pharmacies and health stores. Additionally, it is available as a supplement. Manufacturers of skincare and cosmetics are incorporating more of this ingredient into their products because it can help maintain your skin. Before attempting coffee fruit, consult your doctor. They’ll help you decide if it’s a good choice for you based on any health conditions you may have.
