Coffee lovers have undoubtedly crunched several beans after opening a new bag. The question is; is it safe to eat coffee beans? This article highlights everything you need to know. Let’s discuss.
Table Of Contents
−- The Basics of Coffee beans
- Can you eat roasted coffee beans?
- Can you consume raw coffee beans?
- Is eating coffee beans healthy?
- Are there any bad side effects of eating coffee beans?
- What is the caffeine content in roasted beans?
- What are the signs of taking too much caffeine?
- What beans should I eat? Dark or light roast beans?
- Can I eat ground coffee?
- Can you eat espresso coffee beans?
The Basics of Coffee beans
Coffee beans are extracted from coffee cherries. First, the cherry covers are stripped off to expose the beans, which are dried up. Next, these raw beans are roasted on a scale of light to dark. Finally, these roasted beans are ground and brewed to make our favorite beverage.
Can you eat roasted coffee beans?
Yes, you can eat coffee beans, but in moderation. These beans are, however, better when you dilute them in water or milk. Eating roasted beans will give you both good and bad effects of the beans.
Can you consume raw coffee beans?
Yes, green coffee beans may be eaten. However, few individuals would like to eat them.
I haven’t tasted them yet, but they’re said to taste bitter with a grassy/woody flavor (similar to the flavor notes in white coffee), presumably why we haven’t seen chocolate-wrapped green coffee beans.
They are also rough, chewy, intensely acidic (hard on the stomach), and contain more caffeine than roasted beans.
So, although you can eat them, it’s probably not a pleasant experience.
Is eating coffee beans healthy?
Eating coffee beans has many positive health benefits that outweigh the negatives. One significant advantage is that coffee is a high antioxidant. Eating raw beans can protect one from inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and many other conditions. In addition, undiluted whole coffee beans have extra antioxidants in them.
A nutrition alert you must know is that 1oz of coffee beans contains 13g carbs, 85 calories, and 11g fiber.
Antioxidants
Coffee was brewed by the Arabians as early as 1,000 A.D., and it was when they opened it up for trade that the world discovered the beverage. The coffee we have today and the coffee they had back then carry the healthy antioxidants our body loves. Thus, we have been gulping down these gems ever since.
Antioxidants fight diseases by blocking harmful free radicals from inducing injury to our cells, one of which is cancer. But it is just now that used grounds are studied. So now maybe throwing them away might be a bad idea!
María-Paz de Peña, along with her research team, utilized three methods to release and get a hold of the antioxidants from coffee grounds. Upon testing the concentrations, the experiment revealed that some extracts contain higher antioxidant levels than steamed liquid brew.
Antioxidants go through each brewing stage as they stabilize free radicals along the way. After roasting, the benefits of coffee are even more potent, and an extract may be available for our consumption soon. We have the American Chemical Society’s new extraction method to thank.
Based on Harvard Medical School, regular coffee drinkers were 50% less likely to develop liver cancer. Also, they are less likely to develop rectal, colon, and breast cancers. Moreover, they are half as likely to develop diabetes as well.
And if you haven’t wrapped your head around it yet, as Tomas DePaulis stated, “Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than harmful.”
Are there any bad side effects of eating coffee beans?
You can’t miss a few negativities despite the many benefits of eating raw beans. If your drinking coffee gives you heartburn, kindly avoid eating its beans because they will bring worse effects than the drink. Eating excess beans leads to a laxative effect and too high cholesterol. Pregnant and lactating mothers must avoid caffeine and acidic beverages as it is unhealthy for the baby.
What is the caffeine content in roasted beans?
Before eating the beans, consider knowing the additional caffeine you are ingesting. Caffeine is associated with health benefits like protection against diabetes, Parkinson’s, some types of cancer, and enhanced memory protection.
However, people have different tolerance levels to caffeine. The recommended safe levels are 400mg a day, including for kids. That is about 4 cups of brewed coffee daily (6mg per coffee bean). Consider evaluating other caffeinated drinks you are taking apart from coffee.
What are the signs of taking too much caffeine?
There are times when you take too much coffee. That could lead to jitters, headaches, mood swings, muscle tremors, insomnia, and heart palpitations. This is common when you consume over 500mg daily.
Prolonged overconsumption of caffeine could lead to high blood pressure, liver damage, and addiction. Withdrawal from coffee addiction can take some time. Eating coffee beans have the same health concerns or even worse.
What beans should I eat? Dark or light roast beans?
From a professional point of view, medium to dark roast beans is tastier to eat. It is best if they are oilier. However, it all depends on personal preference. The National Coffee Association recommends eating lighter roasts because they have slightly higher caffeine content. Best follow their tips because they are the pros of coffee!
Can I eat ground coffee?
Yes, ground coffee is safe to consume but again, in moderation. Ground coffee is an excellent body scrub, a good fertilizer, and supports many other household uses.
This article has helped dispel some of your worst fears and concerns about coffee. You know the extremes of the beans you need to make and consume for a tasty cup of coffee.
Can you eat espresso coffee beans?
Espresso beans are roasted coffee beans that have been roasted for longer. As a result, they are often darker in color, and longer roasting durations result in less acidity, more oil produced, and a richer taste.
This is why I like to use espresso powder in my chocolate cakes, icing, and brownies- it adds a richness you can’t find anywhere else!
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
