Contraindications and side effects of green coffee

Despite the benefits of this food in weight loss and general health, those who consume green coffee should know that the natural is not without side effects or contraindications . For example, caffeine levels are similar to regular coffee. Then, the consumption of green coffee or any other product with its extract, when having caffeine, can cause negative effects to people with a certain medical condition or to those who are sensitive to this compound.

With this we are not saying that green coffee is harmful, but that it is always good to avoid any type of risk. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about the adverse effects of a food or supplement before consuming it.

At the moment, scientific research on the use of this substance in people is scarce. But based on the available evidence, green coffee is possibly safe . Participants in clinical studies who took appropriate doses of this substance had no serious side effects .

To lose weight safely: first find out

Coffee is the second most consumed drink after water, and it is the second economic engine after oil. But now it is also conquering the territory of the slimming. Green coffee has positioned itself as one of the main food supplements to help lose weight, and its benefits are many, but do we know its disadvantages?

Green coffee despite being a natural product is not without some contraindications and side effects . It is a very effective and safe substance but not exempt from incompatibilities, so we will clarify in which situations extra precautions must be taken.

 Green coffee contraindications


Side effect of green coffee

One of the benefits sought (regulating blood sugar) may also be a contraindication . Lowering blood glucose levels is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes . But a sharp drop in the absorption of sugar from carbohydrates is not entirely healthy. Our body needs to have its daily caloric reserve coming mainly from carbohydrates. 

Therefore, increasing the consumption of foods with "unrefined carbohydrates" is an aid to compensate for this insufficiency of carbohydrates. Finally, remember that if you take medicine or insulin, green coffee can enhance its effect and the decrease in blood glucose levels can be too much. If you want to drink this drink, a good option is consult your doctor and measure your blood glucose continuously .
Because it contains caffeine, green coffee is contraindicated for people with heart disease. For example tachycardia, palpitations or other related, since caffeine can increase the heart rate. Regarding blood pressure there are many doubts, that is, on the one hand some experts claim that it decreases it. And on the other they assure that it increases it. Hypertensive people who decide to take this drink should check their blood pressure regularly.

Another contraindication of green coffee is in patients with kidney problems such as chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcers, among others. This food can produce or increase irritation of the gastric mucosa.

And lastly, there is not enough information on the effects of green coffee on pregnant, lactating or young children . So it is recommended that these population groups remain on the safe side and avoid their consumption.

We have seen some contraindications of these grains. In summary, anyone who suffers from a chronic disease, is undergoing any type of treatment or takes any kind of medication on a regular basis, it is recommended that you consult a health professional.


Green coffee is contraindicated, that is, it should not be drunk in the following circumstances:

  • Women pregnant and period of lactation , since the components of green coffee can pass to the baby.
  • Children . Children should not take these food supplements, if you want to lose weight in growing ages you should always go to the doctor or a nutritionist.
  • Diabetics . People with diabetes must exercise extreme caution when consuming green coffee, they can actually take it, but always with a doctor's supervision since green coffee lowers blood glucose levels and combined with medication could be too much.
  • People with heart problems such as tachycardia should opt for other weight loss, the caffeine content of this product can alter them.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems, it is advisable not to use green coffee, which increases the functioning of the kidneys and could aggravate the problems.

 Green coffee side effects


The caffeine level of green coffee beans is similar to roasted beans. So, anyone who consumes this drink can suffer from the side effects of green coffee . These symptoms are related to caffeine, therefore, this compound can cause:

- Insomnia,
- Nervousness, irritability
- Decay (abrupt drop in glucose levels)
- Gastric reflux

As we have already said, it can also cause palpitations and tachycardia. In addition large amounts, that is, the abuse of this food can cause anxiety, headache and other negative effects.

To conclude, the conclusion is that the risks of this drink are practically nil . The unwanted effects are typical of caffeine if taken in excess; just like ordinary coffee. Therefore, it is necessary to know that not all people who consume this food will suffer some of these side effects of green coffee. A person can take it without experiencing any of these. It depends on the organism of each one, how sensitive it is to caffeine and the doses that are taken. If you experience any of these discomforts or other discomfort, discontinue it and consult a specialist doctor.

Anyone who drinks green coffee can suffer any of its side effects, they are simply produced by the action of green coffee and when they stop drinking it they will disappear:
  • Insomnia . Green coffee, as it contains caffeine, can cause insomnia or aggravate the problem if you already have it beforehand.
  • Nervousness . For the same reason as insomnia, you may feel agitated after drinking green coffee.
  • Decaying . Green coffee lowers blood glucose levels, this could cause a decrease in energy.
  • Gastric reflux . Green coffee is an acidic product that can affect the stomach, especially if you are more likely to have problems with digestion and heartburn.

Likewise, to avoid some of these unwanted effects on the market, there are a variety of low-caffeine green coffee products to avoid some of these problems and to continue taking advantage of their slimming benefits.

 Take Home Message

Green Coffee Bean Extract appears to be helpful as an aid to weight loss. It may also have some benefits for glucose metabolism and blood pressure.

However… most studies are small, short-term, and often sponsored by companies that produce or sell green coffee beans.

At the end of the day, the only thing that has been shown to lead to long-term results is changing your diet.

In this sense, cutting out carbohydrates and eating more protein seems to be the most effective, as well as emphasizing on real unprocessed foods.

That being said… I guess green coffee bean extract is worth a try if you're curious about it.

It could have a slight effect that could last a few weeks or months, but I wouldn't expect anything beyond that.

Losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint ... and quick fixes don't work in the long run.