Coconut Oil in Coffee: Is It a Good Idea?

Medically Reviewed on 9/8/2022
Coconut Oil in Coffee
Coffee with coconut oil is an excellent way to start the day.

Adding coconut oil to coffee is a topic that has recently come up in the coffee and fitness industry. It is safe and a good idea to add coconut oil to coffee. Coconut oil can improve the flavor of the coffee.

Both coffee and coconut oil have numerous health advantages, which may help rejuvenate your body.

The current fad of combining coffee and coconut oil, dubbed bullet coffee, emerged with the keto diet.

  • It serves as a meal replacement for many health enthusiasts.
  • Many claim it provides an energy boost that keeps you awake and active and even helps you burn calories.
  • Though this drink could be difficult for first-timers to swallow because its texture is not like a standard coffee shot, those who do manage to acquire its flavor cannot stop raving about its amazing benefits.
  • However, doctors advise drinking bullet coffee in moderation because it may have some negative side effects.

7 potential health benefits of mixing coconut oil in coffee

  1. Boosts metabolism
    • Research report that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which are found in coconut oil, and caffeine in coffee function as metabolic boosters for the body.
    • As a result, it will boost the number of calories you burn during the day. This helps stick to your diet and promotes excellent and ideal weight control.
  2. Curbs appetite and aids in weight loss
    • May help you prevent overeating and has immediate calorie-burning properties.
    • According to studies, adding coconut oil to coffee makes you feel full, so you eat less at meals and avoid snacking.
    • This could be related to ketone bodies created by the liver after consuming coconut oil. Ketone bodies help suppress appetite and cravings.
    • Caffeine has appetite suppressant effects. Combining these two may aid in appetite suppression during weight loss programs.
  3. Increases energy levels
    • Caffeine can keep you energetic.
    • MCT is immediately taken into the liver, where it creates the energy that your body requires to function properly.
    • Drinking coconut oil with coffee after a long day at work may replenish your energy levels. You will be able to eliminate the fatigue sensation from your body.
  4. Promotes regular bowels
    • The combination of chlorogenic acids from coffee and coconut oil stimulates the intestines and maintains the digestive system's optimal function.
    • Without adequate digestion, your body will not respond optimally to the nutritional absorption components of the foods you ingest.
    • As a result, neutralizing bowel motions will keep your stomach and digestive system healthy.
  5. Increases good cholesterol
    • Many studies suggest a rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels when coconut oil is consumed in coffee.
    • HDL prevents cardiac diseases. Good cholesterols are essential for the body to optimize heart health and function.
  6. Strengthen the immune system
    • Adding coconut oil to your coffee can help boost your immune system naturally. Lauric acid is found in coconut oil.
    • A lauric acid is a form of healthy fat that is high in antibacterial properties. According to experts, it may help relieve flu, colds, cold sores, and a variety of other ailments.
    • According to research, antioxidants in coffee may help strengthen the immune system.
  7. Can boost brain function
    • Coconut oil with coffee is frequently advised before heading to work in the morning because it increases productivity.
    • Caffeine is a brain stimulant that increases attentiveness. However, coconut oil has effects on the brain as well.
    • Ketone bodies and Alzheimer's disease have recently been studied. ketone bodies help nourish the brain cells in this condition, which can help improve symptoms. Coconut oil's fatty acids raise blood levels of ketone bodies that may contribute to the health of brain cells.

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

What are the potential downsides of mixing coconut oil in coffee?

There are a few points of concern when it comes to the regular consumption of coconut oil. 

  • High in calories
    • Coconut oil is fat and high in calories. You may gain weight if you drink too much of it without making other changes to your diet.
    • Stick to one tablespoon or less in your coffee, and if you are managing your weight, tally the calories to ensure you are on track.
  • High in saturated fat
    • Saturated fat is typically recommended to be avoided. A high intake of saturated fats elevates the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. This raises the chances of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
    • The American Heart Association recommends that you consume no more than 13 grams of saturated fat each day. This is approximately one tablespoon of coconut oil. If you have other saturated fat sources in your diet, you should reduce them before adding coconut oil.
    • To be safe, avoid drinking coconut oil coffee every day. It is usually a good idea to have your cholesterol and other blood levels checked every six months or so. This way, if coconut oil coffee is causing an issue, you will be able to discover it early and make a change.
  • An unhealthy meal replacement
    • Many people, particularly those attempting to reduce weight, substitute coconut oil coffee for breakfast. This is deficient in important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as protein.
    • To fulfill your nutritional objectives, pair coconut coffee with scrambled eggs or change it out for a complete meal on weekends.

Bottom line

Coffee with coconut oil is an excellent way to start the day. As a low-carb, high-fat drink, it can give a variety of health advantages to people on keto and non-keto diets.

Coffee's energy boost, along with the health advantages of medium-chain triglycerides oil, can help improve satiety, increase ketone production, and offer a lift to your daily coffee habit.

Start with half a teaspoon of coconut oil in a cup of coffee and gradually increase or reduce it to suit your needs. If you have never had coffee with coconut oil before, do not use it too much. This might possibly lead to digestive issues.

Medically Reviewed on 9/8/2022
References
Image Source: iStock images

Can You Put Coconut Oil In Coffee. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-in-coffee.html

Coconut Oil in Coffee. https://sandiegohealth.org/coconut-oil-in-coffee/

Put Virgin Coconut Oil In Your Coffee! https://web.archive.org/web/20210917172223/http://inskin.vmvhypoallergenics.com/put-virgin-coconut-oil-coffee/