A natural compound found in coffee, also sold as concentrated green coffee bean extract. Its most reliable effects are modest: slightly lowering blood pressure and softening blood sugar rises after meals. Effects on weight, cholesterol, and inflammation are smaller and less consistent. People starting with above-optimal blood pressure or blood sugar benefit most; overall low-risk, modest-benefit. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | ~110–120 / 70–80 mmHg | Primary benefit target; detects over-lowering |
| Fasting blood glucose | 80–90 mg/dL | Tracks metabolic benefit and over-lowering |
| Hemoglobin A1c | <5.4% | Captures sustained glucose effect |
| Fasting insulin | 2–6 μU/mL | Detects insulin-sensitivity change |
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein | <1.0 mg/L | Tracks anti-inflammatory effect |
| Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) | Triglycerides <90 mg/dL; HDL >50 mg/dL | Monitors secondary lipid effects |
| Homocysteine | <8 µmol/L | Safety check for the homocysteine-raising signal |
| ALT and AST | ALT <25 U/L (men), <20 U/L (women) | Safety, especially with concentrated products |
Cadence: Recheck blood pressure and, if relevant, glucose at ~4 weeks and 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months; recheck homocysteine only if using gram-level doses, at ~8–12 weeks.