Wondering can you eat coffee beans? Absolutely yes!
Eating roasted coffee beans is an excellent way to experience coffee flavor uniquely. Eating coffee beans was the earliest method of ingesting them. Consuming whole beans gives more of the benefits of beans to the body.
Even though coffee beans are safe to eat, ingesting too many can have adverse effects. They contain antioxidants and caffeine, which may increase energy and lessen your risk of certain diseases.
In this article, we’ll discuss the potential advantages and hazards of eating coffee beans.
Coffee beans are the seeds from the coffee fruit, also known as coffee cherries. It is bean-like seeds that are usually dried, roasted, and brewed to make coffee.
Drinking coffee can prevent various health issues. From reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes to eliminating some major liver problems, coffee can do wonders. Likewise, consuming coffee beans also offer several health benefits.
Consuming coffee beans, mainly chocolate-covered, is becoming a popular way to get a caffeine fix.
Are Coffee Beans Safe to Eat?
Yes! Coffee beans are safe to eat provided that you are eating them in moderation. It is because of their higher concentration of nutrients than liquid coffee. Consuming too much can pose a variety of risks because too much of anything is not healthy even if it’s a superfood.
Benefits of Consuming Coffee Beans
Several studies (1) have looked at the health benefits of coffee as a beverage, but few have examined the effects of coffee beans. However, consuming the beans also offer some of the same advantages as drinking the brew.
Here are a few potential benefits of consuming coffee beans.
1. Rich Source of Antioxidants
Coffee beans hold a high concentration of antioxidants, the most common of which is chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol that promotes health. Studies show that chlorogenic acid decreases inflammation and may help prevent diabetes. Furthermore, some analysis suggests that it may possess cancer-fighting properties.
2. An Easy Absorption of Caffeine Source
Caffeine is a stimulant in many foods and beverages, including coffee and tea. On average, eight chocolate-covered coffee beans have the same caffeine as one cup.
Caffeine stops the neurotransmitter adenosine, resulting in drowsiness and fatigue. Green coffee beans may enhance metabolism, increasing exercise performance and weight loss.
Risk Factors of Consuming Too Much Coffee Beans
While eating coffee beans in moderation is entirely healthy, excessive consumption might lead to difficulties. Furthermore, some people are sensitive to chemicals in the beans, which can result in severe side effects.
1. Heartburn and Upset Stomach
Certain chemicals found in coffee beans may cause gastrointestinal distress (2) in some people. The presence of caffeine and other substances found in coffee beans are known to raise gastric acid in the body. Bloating, nausea, and stomach upset may also occur.
2. Laxative Effect
Many people may have a laxative impact on the body due to consuming coffee beans.
3. Disturbance in Sleep
Coffee beans might boost much-needed energy, but caffeine can also cause sleep issues or insomnia (3), especially among those who are caffeine-sensitive.
Other Side Effects of Consuming Coffee Beans (In Excess)
- Symptoms of anxiety-like palpitations, nausea, and feelings of stress.
- Pregnancy risks such as miscarriage, low birth weight, and early delivery can occur.
- Headaches, tiredness, and poor concentration.
If caffeine-sensitive, anxious, or pregnant, you should limit or avoid consuming coffee beans.
The amount of coffee beans you can safely ingest comes down to a safe level (4) of caffeine.
Although tolerance to caffeine varies, doses up to 400 mg per day, around 4 or 5 cups of coffee, are considered safe for healthy adults. Anything more than this may negatively impact health. Here, it is important to mention the amount of caffeine in coffee beans differs in size, strain, and roasting time.
On average, a chocolate-covered coffee bean holds around 12 mg of caffeine per bean containing the caffeine in the chocolate.
Conclusion
Coffee beans are safe to eat but should not be ingested excessively.
They’re loaded with antioxidants and caffeine, which may boost energy and lower your risk of particular diseases. However, too much consumption may cause undesirable side effects.
Chocolate-covered varieties may also carry excess calories, sugar, and fat. So, make your choice mindfully and ensure eating them in moderation to reap maximum benefits without any chances of uncertainty.
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