CHLOROGENIC ACID

I saw an advertisement to lose belly fat by taking chlorogenic acid found in green coffee beans.  I am always leery of advertisements which led me to do some research.  

I found this information on the following web site:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11237928

Consumption of high doses of chlorogenic acid, present in coffee, or of black tea increases plasma total homocysteine concentrations in humans.

Olthof MR, Hollman PC, Zock PL, Katan MB.

Source

Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands. margreet.olthof@staff.nutepi.wau.nl

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In population studies, high intakes of coffee are associated with raised concentrations of plasma homocysteine, a predictor of risk of cardiovascular disease. Chlorogenic acid is a major polyphenol in coffee; coffee drinkers consume up to 1 g chlorogenic acid/d.

OBJECTIVE:

We studied whether chlorogenic acid affects plasma total homocysteine concentrations in humans. For comparison we also studied the effects of black tea rich in polyphenols and of quercetin-3-rutinoside, a major flavonol in tea and apples.

DESIGN:

In this crossover study, 20 healthy men and women ingested 2 g (5.5 mmol) chlorogenic acid, 4 g black tea solids containing approximately 4.3 mmol polyphenols and comparable to approximately 2 L strong black tea, 440 mg (0.7 mmol) quercetin-3-rutinoside, or a placebo daily. Each subject received each of the 4 treatments for 7 d, in random order.

RESULTS:

Total homocysteine in plasma collected 4-5 h after supplement intake was 12% (1.2 micromol/L; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.7) higher after chlorogenic acid and 11% (1.1 micromol/L; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.5) higher after black tea than after placebo. Total homocysteine in fasting plasma collected 20 h after supplement intake was 4% (0.4 micromol/L; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.8) higher after chlorogenic acid and 5% (0.5 micromol/L; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.9) higher after black tea than after placebo. Quercetin-3-rutinoside did not significantly affect homocysteine concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee, and black tea raise total homocysteine concentrations in plasma. Chlorogenic acid could be partly responsible for the higher homocysteine concentrations observed in coffee drinkers. Whether these effects on homocysteine influence cardiovascular disease risk remains to be established.

I believe that nutrition and exercise is still the best way to stay healthy and lose the unwanted fat.  Following the serving size is also important.  

Carbs (Starches)  - Total of 50 to 60 grams per meal
     Bread, Tortilla, Bagel, Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat, Rice or pasta, 
     Beans, Pease, Lentils, Corn, Potato.

Fruits (Carbs & Fiber) - 2 to 4 servings per day
     Apple, orange, pear, peach, banana, mango, grapefruit, grapes,
     honeydew, cantaloupe, raisins, pears, orange.

Milk (Protein, Calcium, Vit. A&D) - 2 servings per day
     Milk, yogurt.

Non-Starch Vegetables (Carbs) - 3 to 5 servings per day
     Broccoli, spinach, beans, cauliflower, carrots, pepper, tomato.

Meat (Protein) - 2 servings per day
     Fish, chicken, lean bee, cheese, cottage cheese, egg, soy, peanut 
     butter.

Oils & Fats - 3 to 5 servings per day
     Olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, olives,
     almonds, cashews, avocado, butter, peanuts, mayonnaise, bacon, 
     half-and-half.

Healthy Eating!

brenda.bailey.1@hotmail.com