If, like me you think that your morning coffee wakes up your brain, well you’d be right, but wait, there’s more! Our daily coffee beans that provide us our morning, full-bodied brew with its array of antioxidants, might possess more health benefits than we’d previously thought. Often overlooked, is the coffee fruit. The coffee fruit or coffee cherry) is a small purple or red fruit that is produced by the coffee plant. It is a stoned fruit as it has a pit that contains the coffee bean (coffee cherry seeds). More research has revealed more about the coffee fruit recently, so let’s find out the Top 5 Health Benefits of Coffee Fruit Extract!
1. Brain Health
BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor), which coffee fruit is rich in, is a potent brain protein that is fundamental for the health of our neurons. It encourages growth of new neurons, supports existing brain cells and protects them from ageing. In short, it keeps your brain young!
2. Enhanced Brain Function
BDNF seems to improve memory by triggering new brain cell connections in the hippocampus. Being neurotrophic and neuroprotective also means that it protects your brain cells from free radical damage, and the effects of stress.
3. Anti-inflammatory
The chlorogenic acid found in coffee fruit extract has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Chlorogenic acid is also a neuroprotective, protecting cells from oxidation.
4. Stress and anxiety relief
Chlorogenic acid, as mentioned, protects your cells and brain from stress. When it reaches the brain it activates the GABA-A receptors which are the same targetted by common anti-anxiety drugs. This makes it a gentle and easy way to reduce stress.
5. Antioxidant Effects
Coffee fruit is packed with antioxidants which, we all know by now, are essential in fighting free radicals, and may well reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
