Coconut oil in coffee — who would have thought to mix these two?
When I first heard about the idea, I couldn’t imagine those flavors complementing each other. But the supposed benefits quickly caught my attention.
It seems that adding coconut oil to your morning cup of coffee can actually improve your health. Outside of a lasting caffeine boost, coffee itself doesn’t offer up much nutritional value. However, all of that changes when you put a little coconut oil inside.
Not to be confused with the bulletproof coffee trend using organic coffee beans, unsalted butter, and Brain Octane, this method is a simpler and more cost-effective way to receive more healthful benefits in your morning cup of joe.
To see if all the hype was true, I decided to try coconut oil in coffee for a whole week and take note of any changes I felt throughout the process.
Benefits Of Coconut Oil In Coffee
So why put coconut oil in coffee? It seems that the trend of adding fats into coffee began with bulletproof coffee. Marketed by Dave Asprey, this fancy coffee promises to improve your cognitive functions and energize you more than regular coffee does through the use of healthy fats. The world’s CEOs and star athletes all seem to be indulging in this drink.
However, for those of us who don’t have tons of time to devote to a morning beverage, adding coconut oil is the best alternative!
Some of the benefits of coconut oil in coffee include:
Increased Energy
According to the Coconut Mama, coconut oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Since coconut oil is a three-chain fatty acid, the liver processes it into energy instead of its being stored as fat. So putting it in coffee gives you even more of an energy boost.
An Increased Metabolism
Consuming MCTs in coconut oil can help speed up your metabolic rate. Since your energy levels are increased, your body is also able to burn fat much easier. A study published on Authority Nutrition found that individuals who consumed one to two tablespoons of medium-chain fats burned 120 calories per day thanks to a 5% increase in energy.
A Decreased Appetite
Weight loss may be another benefit that has kept this method trendy. According to Health Ambition, coconut oil is a natural appetite suppressant. Many people believe that coconut oil makes you feel fuller, leading you to consume less throughout the day.
Studies have established a link between ketone bodies produced by the liver and coconut oil consumption. These naturally curb your appetite and have helped certain individuals to eat 250 fewer calories on a daily basis.
An Immune System Boost
Coconut oil’s fatty acids are primarily composed of lauric acid. According to WebMD, lauric acid contains antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat viral infections. It has also been found to be effective against intestinal infections and various viruses such as herpes.
Side Effects Of Coconut Oil In Coffee
I was completely taken aback by all of coconut oil’s benefits. Throughout my research, however, I did come across some side effects that are definitely worth mentioning.
Allergic Reaction
According to Livestrong, although they are rare cases, some people can actually be allergic to coconuts. Some of the symptoms include breaking out into hives or getting itchy. Some serious reactions have also been documented, including anaphylactic attacks. To avoid exposing your body to a full dose of an allergen, many websites suggest applying a small amount of coconut oil on your skin and monitoring it for signs of itching or swelling for 24 hours.
Cholesterol Increase
Throughout my research, I also came across studies that suggested that an increased intake in saturated fats could cause high cholesterol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association have both warned people of the negative impact coconut oil can have on cholesterol levels.
However, a U.S. News & World Report article quoted nutritionists differentiating between coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acids and other more common fat sources. The body more easily metabolizes coconut oil’s medium-chain triglycerides.
Coconut Oil In Coffee Recipe
Adding coconut oil to coffee is a very simple process. All you need is your favorite brand of coffee, organic coconut oil, and your choice of sweetener. You can choose between Stevia, raw honey, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, or gelatin. I decided to go with raw honey.
The best way to mix coconut oil in coffee is through the use of a blender. I used my NutriBullet to get the job done. While making coconut oil in coffee without a blender is possible, you’ll be left with a film of oil on the very top.
To prepare the drink, simply brew your coffee then place it into your blender. Add in one teaspoon of your sweetener then one to two teaspoons of coconut oil. Blend the mixture on high until it turns a light color — this could take about 30 seconds. Once it’s blended just pour it into your cup and enjoy!
And don’t forget to check down below to learn about my experience with this coconut oil and coffee combination.
Day 1
My first day making the coffee concoction was amazingly easy. I brewed it in my Keurig then transferred it over to my NutriBullet. I added one teaspoon of raw honey and two teaspoons of coconut oil.
After blending the mixture and pouring it back into my cup, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The mixture was very frothy, smooth, and sweet. It felt as if I had made a regular cup of coffee with milk and sugar — I wasn’t expecting it to taste so good.
Despite the benefit of added energy, I didn’t feel much different throughout the day, but I did enjoy my drink.
Day 2
On the second day I was pretty excited to make the drink again. I was hoping to finally feel some of the amazing effects of coconut oil in coffee. However, I still really didn’t notice a difference outside of the initial caffeine kick.
Day 5
On the fifth day I felt energized. I always set an alarm every morning, but on this day I woke up before it even went off. After drinking, I felt more alert as I worked on my usual errands and writing gigs.
Day 7
By the end of the week I was convinced that the coconut oil was responsible for my added energy throughout the day. I felt more awake and even pushed myself a bit further during my morning workout routine. I also noticed that I stopped snacking as often throughout the day and felt fuller longer.
My Final Review
So is coconut oil good in coffee? My answer would be yes! Although I didn’t feel any immediate changes in the first three days, the delicious taste blew me away. Eventually I did notice that my energy lasted longer throughout the day and I didn’t burn out as quickly. While I didn’t experience the weight-loss benefits, I will definitely continue making this drink as my morning fuel.
If you plan on testing out this delicious brew for yourself, make sure to SHARE this article so friends and family can try it too!
