Coffee

Coffee beans have been eaten for hundreds of years or more.

It is thought that before coffee was developed as a beverage, its beans were often mixed with animal fat and consumed to boost energy levels.

Coffee beans provide the same nutrients as a cup of joe — but in a much more concentrated form.

Because regular coffee is filtered and diluted with water, you only get a portion of the caffeine and other substances found in the whole bean.

What’s more, eating coffee beans — rather than drinking the beverage — may lead to more rapid absorption of caffeine through the lining of your mouth.

Both the beneficial and negative effects of coffee are amplified when the beans are consumed whole.

As such, it is best to eat coffee beans in moderation.

That said, green coffee beans — which are raw — aren’t very pleasant to eat. They have a bitter, woody flavor and can be hard to chew. Roasted coffee beans are slightly softer.

Chocolate-covered, roasted coffee beans are often sold as a snack and are easy to find in your local store.