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It seems like coconut oil makes just about anything better these days.
While it may not be the tastiest idea to add it to every beverage, adding coconut oil to your morning coffee could have some surprising health benefits!
I drink coffee every day, both at home and purchasing from coffee shops. Wherever I get my fix, it's always with the addition of coconut oil.
I don't know about you, but I'm all about more excuses for having the coffee addiction I do, so let's jump right into the facts!
Why Put Coconut Oil In Your Coffee? (8 Key Benefits)
At one point in time, we were told to avoid fats and opt for a low-fat diet in order to stay trim and healthy.
We now know that there are "good" and "bad" fats, or long-chain triglycerides and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), respectively.
It's important to have a good balance of long-chain fatty acids and medium-chains.
MCTs offer a whole slew of benefits, and coconut oil is comprised of 50% lauric acid - a type of MCT!
1. Provides Energy
Chances are, one of the reasons why you drink coffee is for that energy boost to get you through the day or for a bit of extra pep in your step.
Caffeine is what gives you extra energy when you drink coffee, and MCTs can help increase energy levels in a different way.
Ever since I've added it to my morning routine, I feel that my energy is more consistent and lasts longer. I also don't feel that caffeine crash!
Putting coconut oil in your morning cup could help your metabolism, offering up the fat in the oil as a source of energy rather than storing it as fat in your body.
Going hand-in-hand with that, if you have higher energy levels, you're more likely to easily burn fat as you're going to be more active. This is perfect for avoiding weight gain!
2. Enhances Cognitive Function
What are cognitive functions?
They're essential brain activities such as memory, processing speed, attention, planning, and problem-solving, among many others.
Do you find yourself feeling a bit foggy-headed lately? Don't feel on top of your game? The ketones found in coconut oil could also improve mental alertness.
I've even found research that suggests coconut oil and the medium-chain triacylglycerols found in it could even help prevent cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's![1]
Even just a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil can reduce the stress on our bodies, which can make us feel happier and more positive. That, in itself, will help provide a clear and more positive outlook on life.
3. Regulates Blood Sugar
Coffee on its own has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.[2]
However, various studies have suggested that consuming coconut oil regularly can enhance insulin sensitivity, supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
Coconut oil doesn’t need insulin to be processed in the body, so there’s no spike in blood sugar.
Some doctors even suggest that the MCT lauric acid found in coconut oil can protect against dyslipidemia and other diabetes-induced conditions.
4. Benefits The Skin
What if you could replace those Botox sessions with a cup of hot coffee and coconut oil? It’s no secret that coconut oil can help hydrate the skin while helping retain moisture.
If you’re suffering from skin conditions like eczema, you could even find it soothes dryness and itchiness.[3]
I can attest to that first-hand! Actually, one of the only things that has managed to help my dry skin is coconut oil.
Many commercial creams and treatments can further irritate sensitive skin, but the healthy fats in coconut oil are very agreeable and aren't likely to do so.
As I mention more below, it's also an antibacterial product, lowering the risk of infection of the skin.
5. Helps You Stay In Ketosis
Being on a keto diet can help eliminate the rollercoastering of blood sugar levels and subsequent hunger pangs.
Not only that, but staying in ketosis makes the body use fat as its main source of fuel, which makes it much easier to lose weight (more on that in a bit!).
Consuming organic coconut oil in black coffee is perfect for a ketogenic diet as it's a pure, healthy fat.
Some studies even suggest the oil can help speed up the fat-burning gained from being on keto!
6. Supports Digestion
It’s no secret that coffee provides some amazing benefits when it comes to the digestive system.
Add coconut oil, and you’ll likely find that it further helps stimulate the bowels, keeping your digestive system healthy and regular.
7. Supports Weight Loss Goals
We know that caffeine is a natural appetite suppressant, reducing feelings of hunger.[4]
The MCTs in coconut oil have been linked to lower body weight and can suppress appetite, leaving you feeling satiated for longer!
You may find yourself eating less without feeling like you're missing out.
Consuming coconut oil can also speed up metabolism, leading to increased calorie burn. So, you may be able to sip on your cup of Joe and lose weight!
8. Supports A Healthy Immune System
Drinking coconut oil in coffee is like putting on a suit of armor in a way. It keeps the bad stuff at bay, thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties!
This means you may just find you get sick less often.
It can help stave off various flu strains, the common cold, fever blister, and cold sores, and it can even help prevent the transfer of HIV from mothers to children!
Moreover, the dietary saturated fat in coconut oil can make it easier for your body to absorb calcium, magnesium, certain B vitamins, amino acids, and vitamins A, E, K, and D.
What’s All The Hype About Coconut Oil As A Superfood?
A superfood is defined as "a food rich in compounds considered beneficial to a person's health."
I'm sure there are additional health benefits to just consuming one tablespoon of coconut oil per day, but we'd be here all day if I covered them all!
One thing is for sure, though: coconut oil is, without a doubt, a superfood.
Filled with clean fats and protein, the health benefits of coconut oil are loud and clear. Weight loss, preventing various types of disease, better-looking hair and skin - the list goes on and on.
Most people find mixing coconut oil into coffee delicious, so it's not like you're sacrificing much by adding it into yours!
How To Make Coconut Oil Coffee (AKA Bulletproof Coffee)
Now that you're practically an expert on all things "coconut coffee," how do you apply your knowledge? Here is my method for making bulletproof coffee at home.
First, grab your ingredients:
- 1Brew Coffee: Around 10 to 12 ounces is an average cup of coffee.
- 2Coconut Oil: This will take the place of a regular MCT oil. Adding coconut oil in coffee will give you that healthy saturated fat we're looking for.
- 3Butter: As we said, adding in a bit of salted butter or even ghee can add extra fat, flavor, and an amazing texture!
- 4Blend: Mix your coffee with coconut oil and butter in a blender for some seriously delicious results! It should be a bit creamy and frothy, and we’re sure you won’t want to drink coffee any other way after trying it once!
You can add in a bit of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, creamer, milk, or even vanilla extract to boost the flavor profile, too!
There are tons of different recipes out there with all kinds of flavors, but this is one of the most popular (and delicious!).
Possible Side Effects Of Coconut Oil In Coffee
As with most things in life, it's best not to overdo coconut oil in coffee consumption.
Try not to go over 2 tablespoons a day (max) in order to receive those health benefits without any of the downsides. Let's look at the potential side effects of too much coconut coffee.
As I've mentioned, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which could elevate "bad"/LDL cholesterol levels. Too much can actually negatively affect cardiovascular health!
If you are just starting out with this level of fat intake, you may experience digestive upset such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation.
It's best to take things slow and aim for just 1 cup a day of coconut oil coffee.
Stomach upset shouldn't be expected, but if you already have some digestive issues, just be on the lookout for potential downsides.
I’ve never personally experienced negative gastro side effects, but everyone is different.
If you're on a tight budget, coconut oil coffee could get a bit expensive if you're adding more than 1 teaspoon a day of oil to your coffee!
Even if you're a heavy coffee drinker, try to make sure your other cups are free of the tasty fatty acids. (My tip is to buy coconut oil at bulk stores like Costco to get more bang for your buck.)
Keep in mind that the more coconut oil you consume, the more calories you will consume. If you consume more than a tablespoon or two, you could actually gain weight instead of losing it.
Coconut Oil Vs Other Coffee Additives
If you’re already diving deep into adding coconut oil in coffee, you’ve likely already researched olive oil, butter, or ghee.
So, why should you add coconut oil instead of the other alternatives? While you’ll get many of the same benefits to your health, coconut oil simply has the highest amount of MCT lauric acid.
MCT oil is basically pure medium-chain triglycerides, while coconut oil is about 50 to 65%. Again, though, coconut oil is lauric acid, giving it antimicrobial properties no other source has.
FAQs
Is coconut oil better than MCT oil in coffee?
Coconut oil is better than MCT oil in coffee in terms of overall health benefits. While MCT oil is pure medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil offers more flavor, better texture, and antimicrobial properties that MCT oil does not.
What does coconut oil in your coffee taste like?
Coconut oil coffee has a very mellow, lightly-sweet flavor that balances perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.
How much coconut oil should you put in coffee for weight loss?
You should add one teaspoon of coconut oil per one cup of coffee for weight loss.
Can I put coconut oil in my coffee during intermittent fasting?
You can add some coconut oil in your coffee during intermittent fasting, so long as it's less than a teaspoon. Too much will break your fast.
Does coconut oil in coffee make you poop?
Combining coconut oil’s fatty acids with caffeine definitely stimulates the bowels, yes. Let’s just say you might want to try this trend at home before you try it while out and about.
Conclusion
In summary, adding coconut oil gives you an energy boost and many health benefits you're sure to appreciate.
If you're looking for a yummy way to achieve sustained energy and soak in plenty of nutrients other than what a regular cup can offer, I recommend replacing the milk with oil in your coffee in the morning!
References:
1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.043052
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/773949
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323154
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100
