It might not look like the tastiest brew, but the advantages of coconut oil in coffee outweigh the drawbacks. Read on to learn why you should start putting coconut oil in your coffee!
Coconut oil saw its popularity boom during the mid to late 2010s as Americans slowly started to lean toward buying plant-based products. In fact, 62% of households in the United States are buying plant-based foods, and around 465,000 metric tons of coconut oil were consumed domestically in 2021.
Some coffee lovers bill this as a simpler version of bulletproof coffee, so it is no surprise that this beverage is slowly gaining traction. Here are some reasons why you should join the trend and add coconut oil to your java!
6 Reasons Why You Should Start Putting Coconut Oil In Your Coffee
1. It Is Perfect When You Are Watching Your Weight
Coffee can aid in raising metabolism, increasing your metabolic rate while at rest to as much as 4%, and stimulating your body to burn more fat. Add coconut oil, which also contains compounds that help with weight loss, and you have the perfect diet pair!
Coffee with coconut oil is also ideal if you are on a keto or paleo diet, as the oil is pure fat and contains ketones! What is great about this combo is that they also work together to curb your appetite while burning calories. Thanks to the coconut oil’s MCT (medium-chain triacylglycerols), your coffee’s calorie-burning effect is boosted while the caffeine suppresses constant feelings of hunger.
However, take note that a drawback of coconut oil is that it can have a laxative effect. Plus, it contains a lot of fat, so overdoing it can cause weight gain.
Add small amounts of oil, around two tablespoons per day, until your body adjusts accordingly.
2. It Gives You Energy Faster
Coconut oil works well with coffee, giving you that big energy boost you need in the morning. Since it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, it takes a detour during digestion and makes its way directly through the liver. They are then turned into a quick energy source.
This process is ideal if you have an active lifestyle, especially if you are the type to wake up early for a morning jog. You might also want to check out our list of the best coffee to drink before your workout and try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil.
3. It’s Good For Cardiovascular Health
Caffeine encourages mental stimulation, increasing your alertness by allowing neurotransmitters to flow freely. This effect is supplemented by coconut oil as its ketone content also serves as fuel to improve mental alertness.
However, this energy boost occasionally brings a disadvantage as one of coffee’s side effects is increased blood pressure. Thankfully, this is counteracted by the coconut oil’s ability to prevent this side effect and aid in improving cardiovascular and endothelial functions.
4. It’s Suitable For Diabetics
Putting coconut oil in coffee adds a tropical flavor. It is naturally sweet.
As a bonus, coconut oil also has a substance called lauric acid which, according to studies, can help prevent and or safeguard you from specific diabetic issues. Add the coffee’s propensity to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and you have an amazingly healthy and delicious cup of Joe.
5. It Improves Oral Hygiene
As it turns out, coconut oil can help keep your teeth and gums healthy! Although more research needs to be conducted, a recent study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that coconut oil is potent in killing the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and other harmful microorganisms associated with bad breath and gum disease!
Take note that its efficacy relies heavily on oil pulling, meaning you have to swish coconut oil around your mouth and teeth. You might want to add that to your oral hygiene routine – without the coffee since it stains your teeth.
6. It Can Help Prevent Neurological Disorders
Promising studies show that the oil may prevent or mitigate neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
It is theorized that it is because of ketones. For instance, a common issue afflicting Alzheimer’s patients is their inability to absorb glucose efficiently. This results in a lack of glucose in the brain, resulting in cognitive impairment.
Ketones serve as an alternative energy source or “glucose substitute.” Since insulin isn’t required for ketones to be absorbed by the body, they can freely enter the bloodstream and make their way to the brain.
FAQs On Coconut Oil In Coffee
Does Coconut Oil Dissolve Easily In A Cup Of Coffee?
Fortunately, yes! The hotter your coffee is, the faster it will dissolve. Using a food processor or Vitamix to make yourself a coffee shake with coconut oil is possible, too!
Does Coconut Oil Have Disadvantages?
Excess coconut oil consumption has drawbacks. Since it is high in saturated fat, it can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase your risk of developing heart disease. In addition, due to its laxative effect, it can cause diarrhea.
Try to limit your coconut oil in coffee to just two tablespoons a day.
