Recently on his program, Dr. Oz discussed green coffee bean extract (GCBE) benefits as a "miracle pill to burn fat". He said that taking green coffee bean extract can help you lose weight without changing your diet or increasing your activity level at all. Since that time, this supplement has been rising in popularity for its potential as a weight loss aid. It simply consists of an extract of the unroasted seed of the coffee plant (Coffea arabica).

Current Research On GCBE

Green coffee bean contains chlorogenic acid (CGA), which has been shown in mice studies to inhibit the release of glucose in the body and to boost the metabolism of sugar and fat in the liver. This can potentially help to drive the body towards burning more fat and storing less of it.

A recent study on Green Coffee Bean extracts weight loss benefits was conducted in early 2012. That study examined 16 overweight adults, and found that treatment with 350mg of green coffee bean extract three times daily for 12 weeks helped to cause significant reductions in body weight, despite no other change in diet.

Key Components In Green Coffee Bean Extract That Provides Weight Loss Benefits

It would appear that the benefits of green coffee bean extract are due to its high CGA content, and not its caffeine content, which is far less than a small cup of coffee. Unfortunately, roasting of the coffee beans for use in beverages removes the chlorogenic acid. This sadly eliminates the mediceffeinal effect such that drinking a cup of coffee is not going to provide the same benefit.

A supplement of raw, unroasted GCBE extract is the best way to boost your weight loss with its active ingredient chlorogenic acid (CGA).

Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplements: Formats, Potency & Uses

According to the research study mentioned above, 350mg three times daily (1050mg total) was sufficient to promote the desired weight loss. On the Dr. Oz show, their specialist (Lindsey Duncan, ND) recommended a dose of 800mg 30 minutes before meals with a full glass of water, twice daily (1600mg total). 

Unfortunately, due to the limited evidence, it is difficult to be sure what to take. I usually side with the research and would recommend taking 350mg three times daily before meals, although either suggested dose may be beneficial.

Potential Side Effects of Green Coffee Bean Extract

As it stands, no negative side effects of Green Coffee Bean supplementation are known. Similar cautions would apply to taking CGBE as drinking a cup of coffee.