Chlorogenic Acid in Coffee: What It Is and How Roasting Affects It

Did you know a cup of coffee each morning is a major source of beneficial antioxidants? In fact, clinical studies show that coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the human diet [1]. One antioxidant in particular, known as chlorogenic acid (CGA), is the key to many of coffee's most popular health benefits – it's one of the reasons why finding a high CGA coffee is so beneficial for people. Chlorogenic acid is a polyphenol with antioxidant activity that researchers continue to study. For health-conscious drinkers, choosing organic ground coffee or organic cold brew coffeeensures these benefits are paired with the cleanest possible option.

Thankfully, you don't have to do much to experience these chlorogenic acid benefits for yourself. Once you find your favorite high CGA coffee, you just need to continue your coffee consumption as you usually would. It's really that simple.

What Is Chlorogenic Acid?

As mentioned, chlorogenic acid is the primary antioxidant linked to coffee's most potent health benefits. Speaking technically, chlorogenic acid is the ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid. The chlorogenic acid in coffee is not as much acidic-tasting as it is thought to be responsible for coffee’s bitter or astringent taste. Chlorogenic acids are phenolic compounds and polyphenols (micronutrients) that are as important for flavor formation as they are for the health effects of coffee. For those seeking the cleanest, healthiest option, organic mold free coffee helps ensure these benefits are delivered without unwanted contaminants.

But knowing that coffee contains chlorogenic acids isn’t enough information for most people to understand what’s happening in their bodies. So, what is chlorogenic acid good for? Antioxidants, like those found in coffee, are critical to one's health because they inhibit the oxidation caused by free radicals found in our bodies. Typically, oxygen is beneficial, but as part of free radical compounds, oxygen is actually quite damaging to our cells and their genetic material. Oxidative stress is one factor researchers study in chronic disease. Purity Coffee's roasting is designed to retain coffee's naturally occurring polyphenols. Since the beginning, we have been working to provide the health benefits people need through the highest quality organic coffees produced. For added peace of mind, many also look for coffee without acrylamide, further reducing unnecessary concerns about what’s in their daily cup.

What Is High CGA Coffee?

Now that you know the antioxidant, it's time to discuss how you can find a proper high CGA coffee to help get the chlorogenic acid benefits for yourself. Before being roasted for our drinking pleasure, coffee is a greenish seed that comes from the fruit (often referred to as a “cherry”) of the coffee plant. Unroasted coffee is referred to as “green coffee”, and you may see “green coffee extract” as an ingredient in many products these days.

There are plenty of raw green coffee benefits for people to take full advantage of, but one, in particular, is their higher levels of chlorogenic acid. Because CGA breaks down when exposed to heat, it is important to have sourced green coffee high in CGA, and then follow a roasting protocol that allows for the least amount of CGA degradation. At Purity Coffee, we utilize a special roasting process to ensure as much chlorogenic acid (and other antioxidants) as possible is retained, while ensuring the roast produces a well-balanced, delicious coffee. In addition, we digitally monitor every batch to ensure we're following the roast curve we designed to retain the highest levels of antioxidants possible. In testing we commissioned in 2016 to 2018, Purity’s total chlorogenic acid averaged about 65% higher than the organic brands sampled; the brands and data are on our lab results page.

Chlorogenic Acid Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at what researchers have studied about chlorogenic acids. CGA has been studied in laboratory models for a range of biological activities. Human evidence is limited. However, the biological activities depend on the stability of CGAs, which are sensitive to pH, temperature, and light, and also individual differences in humans. All of us are different with our own internal chemistry, biology, and functionality of our many glands, organs and moving parts, and individuals metabolize CGA their own way and tolerate CGA differently. The following points highlight peer-reviewed scientific research that has been accumulating for decades:

• Researchers have run small trials of chlorogenic acid on blood flow, inflammatory markers, glucose response and blood pressure. Results are preliminary and were not studies of coffee as sold. [2, 3].
• Reduce Inflammation: Chlorogenic acid in coffee may help lower levels of inflammation and, over the long term, prevent chronic disease [4].
• Improve Glucose Regulation: Having a diet rich in chlorogenic acid sources may help regulate glucose levels, which can be beneficial for losing weight and reducing the risk of diabetes [5].
• Lower Blood Pressure: Chlorogenic acid may benefit a person's blood pressure by causing a statistically moderate reduction in diastolic and systolic blood pressure during the ingestion period [6].

Choose High CGA Coffee to Help You Feel Your Best

Here at Purity Coffee, it’s our mission to be the coffee company that measures and publishes its chlorogenic acid content – everything we do stems from wanting to make our coffee better for your health by bringing out the best the coffee plant has to offer. We do not add anything to our coffees; rather, we work with producers who are as dedicated to health and wellness as we are. Our coffees come from organic regenerative farms that innovate methods for producing the healthy, nutrient-rich plants. We roast to retain the most CGA and nutrition in the coffee that makes you feel good all over, while creating an exceptional taste experience.

View our specialty-grade flow coffee beans selection, and make the change for yourself today. We also offer gift coffee subscription services. If you have any questions about our coffee, feel free to get in touch with us at any time.

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