Hope in a Plant: Is Coffeeberry The New Green Tea?

Forget hope in a jar – how about hope in a plant? Studies indicate that the coffeeberry fruit has the highest amount of antioxidant properties of any known plant or fruit. (Remember us talking about why antioxidants are good for your skin?) In fact, it’s consistently shown to be three times more potent in antioxidant power than the ever-popular green tea, and some studies have shown its anti-oxidant to be ten times higher. 

Yes, coffeeberry is the fruit of the coffee plant, as you might imagine. It covers the bitter coffee bean. Emerging research shows that coffee berry replenishes the antioxidant capacity of the skin when used topically. This could help prevent the signs of aging and keep skin cancer at bay.

Other studies suggest that coffee berry oil stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, the proteins that compose skin’s structure. Used topically in skin creams, a 1% concentration has been found to improve hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin appearance in only 6 weeks of use.

I can personally attest to the fact that coffeeberry is awesome for reducing redness. “Coffeeberry helps shrink blood vessels to ease flushing,” says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami. Want to see for yourself? Try it in Revaleskin Day Cream with Coffeeberry ($21) or Priori Coffeeberry Day Complex ($53).

Will your morning cup of joe make you more beautiful? Not likely – by the time it gets to be a ground up boiled bean, it’s likely all the good stuff’s gone. Coffeeberry is different than coffee bean. Still, any excuse for my AM jolt is good enough for me.