Remember the Ethiopian goat-herder who noticed goats getting energized by eating some berries sometime in the 9th-century? Since then, coffee has gradually become part and parcel of our life. It is hard to start a day without sipping a steaming cup of coffee in the morning.
There has also been a continuous buzz about several health benefits of coffee. Many studies also support that. Coffee beans, being the seeds of the coffee fruit it – it makes sense to wonder if those can give the same results as brewed coffee.
This gives rise to the question – can you eat coffee beans? This blog intends to dwell on that, along with the effect of eating coffee beans for weight loss.
Contents
Different ways to take coffee beans
Eating coffee beans is possible in any form. But raw coffee beans that are available in nearby coffee shops have a grassy and acidic taste. Being very hard, they are tough to chew. For this, people mostly prefer to consume roasted coffee beans.
You can take coffee beans with melted chocolate or chocolate bars. Dip coffee beans into chocolate. Wrap with a wax paper and keep in the fridge overnight. Remove the paper. The beans will taste delicious!
You can also take roasted coffee beans with yogurt. Cover the beans with the yogurt you like, and wrap with wax paper. Keep in the fridge in a plastic container for 24 hours. Take out the beans and enjoy the frozen yogurt with coffee flavor.
Chopping the beans off in small pieces and mixing with gelato or ice cream makes a delicious dessert. Or, you can add the beans to your favorite brownie recipe for a lovely snack. You can also eat coffee grounds in moderation.
Potential benefits of eating coffee beans
While there are volumes on the benefits of brewed coffee, only a few are available on eating coffee beans. The beans being the seed of the cherry provide a host of benefits.
1. These are rich in antioxidants
Coffee beans contain a high level of antioxidants in the form of chlorogenic acid and others. Studies reveal that this can combat inflammation while reducing the risk of diabetes. This also helps to prevent aging by fighting free radicals. Some studies indicate that it can ward off cardiovascular disease as well.
2. An excellent source of fiber
Coffee beans are very rich in fiber. This benefits the body in several ways, like easing constipation and other gastrointestinal problems
3. These can help in weight management
As the coffee beans have fewer calories, these are great for your weight management drives. They boost up the metabolism in the body. Coffee beans are also used in some skincare products.
4. A great source of caffeine
Only 8 to 9 coffee beans can supply caffeine that is available in one cup of brewed coffee. Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It makes one energetic, acts as a mood enhancer, and also helps to improve performance. The body can absorb caffeine more quickly from the beans than from drinking coffee.
5. Helps to increase stamina
Taking coffee beans helps to increase stamina. This leads to a better workout. Those who consume coffee beans are found to have more glycogen in the muscles. It acts as a fuel for athletic activities and let one work harder the next day.
Associated risks and side effects
Although moderate eating of coffee beans is beneficial for health, an excess may cause some unpleasant side effects. Coffee beans may cause stomach upset that kicks back the stomach acid in the esophagus and cause heartburn.
In some instances, coffee beans work as a laxative and may cause increased bowel movements and even diarrhea. In case you are sensitive to caffeine, eating coffee beans may cause sleep disturbances.
FAQs
1. Can you eat any types of coffee beans?
Yes. You can take any type, although the raw beans are harder than the roasted varieties.
2. How many beans can you eat?
Coffee beans contain a higher concentration of coffee than brewed coffee. Usually, a cup of coffee has around 90 to 120 milligrams of caffeine. But a serving of 8 to 9 beans can deliver the same quantity.
3. Can you swallow the beans as such?
Although hard, you may swallow the beans. But do not consume in excess as that will alter the caffeine concentration in the body.
4. Are the coffee beans addictive?
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and regular intake may cause a mild dependence. But this, in no way, harms one socially and physically.
Conclusion
You can eat coffee beans. You may take these as raw or roasted beans and also in ground form as well. Eating these in moderate quantities is good for your health. Now that you have this insight, take care of your caffeine fix with some coffee beans.
