Thought to have originated in Ethiopia, a coffee bean is a seed of the coffee plant, and is usually dried, roasted, and brewed to make our beloved coffee. Because drinking coffee has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease, you may wonder if eating coffee beans has the same effect. In fact, these beans have been eaten for hundreds of years or more. It is also thought that before coffee was developed as a beverage, its beans were often mixed with animal fat and consumed to boost energy levels. As a matter of fact, coffee beans can be mighty beneficial when consumed in moderation. For one, they are a concentrated source of antioxidants and caffeine. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory properties that protect against certain diseases and boost energy and mood.