subject: Manage Diabetes And More With Chlorogenic Acid [print this page] Chlorogenic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid and phytonutrient that has a number of health benefits in humans. It is mainly sourced from coffee but can also be found in other fruits, vegetables and teas. In this article I will be providing you with a full overview of chlorogenic acid.
1) DISCOVERY:
Chlorogenic acid was discovered in 1932 but it is not known who made this discovery.
2) HEALTH BENEFITS:
Chlorogenic acid is very useful nutrient for people suffering from diabetes (a health disorder that leads to your blood glucose levels becoming extremely high). Studies have shown that it can increase the production of insulin (a hormone that allows your body's cells to take glucose from the blood), lower blood glucose levels and release glucose into the blood more slowly after you eat a meal.
In addition to this, it acts as an antioxidant (a substance that protects your body's cells from dangerous free radicals), prevents atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form on your artery walls and restrict the flow of blood) and prevents cancer (a health disorder where your body's cells start to grow in a rapid, out of control way)
Finally, this hydroxycinnamic acid reduces blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that blocks the artery walls and increases your heart disease risk), reduces your heart disease risk (by preventing atherosclerosis and reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol) and supports healthy weight loss (by stimulating the use of body fat for energy).
3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA):
Chlorogenic acid is not classed as an essential nutrient so no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been set. However, studies suggest that consuming between 60 milligrams (mg) and 185mg of this hydroxycinnamic acid each day will allow you to unlock all its health benefits. This is the equivalent of 1 or 2 cups of coffee per day.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Coffee is the richest food source of chlorogenic acid with a 100 millilitre (ml) serving supplying you with between 35mg and 175mg of this hydroxycinnamic acid. Apples, blueberries, pears, sunflower seeds, tea and tomatoes are also good food sources of this phytonutrient but the exact amounts they contain are not known.
5) SUMMARY:
As you can see, coffee packs quite a nutritional punch. So make sure this powerful hot beverage is regularly consumed as part of your diet. Not only is it a great way to give yourself a little perk when your energy levels are flagging but it is also an excellent way to take full advantage of the health benefits chlorogenic acid has to offer.
