Why Put Coconut Oil in Coffee
Why Put Coconut Oil in Coffee
I don’t always drink coffee, but when I do, I don’t go to a corner café. I don’t order triple-shot lattes or icy blended confections.
And I really can’t handle espresso.
The reason I opt for a coffee now and then is because I love getting the energy boost and antioxidants.
Most of all, it’s another opportunity to take coconut oil internally.
Look, I hate swallowing oils. Oil pulling has basically trained me to never let it seep down my throat.
When I blend it with coffee, I don’t recognize it as an oil at all.
Do you drink your coffee black?
If so, more power to you! I prefer to take mine light.
However, I’m really choosy about dairy, and I wouldn’t touch most coffee creamers with a ten-foot pole. So when I heard about putting coconut oil in coffee, I thought…
"At Last!"
Therefore, today’s post is all about why put coconut oil in coffee. I’m here to tell you, it’s a match made in heaven.
Coconut Oil: Miracle or Misrepresentation?
Obviously, I don’t need to convince you that coconut oil is popular. At this point, I don’t even need to tell you that it has an impressive number of uses.
The blogosphere has been on it for a while.
But why do I put coconut oil in my coffee?
Why do I encourage you to do the same?
Here is why:
Most posts about coconut oil (including my own) drill down one to two main features.
One, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids. Two, it’s the planet’s best natural source of lauric acid.
That’s great, but what does the research say?
Why are we going out of our way to add coconut oil into everything, everywhere? Today, I’m happy to answer that.
FACT 1: Coconut oil can treat Candida
Maybe you’ve heard of fluconazole, sold under the brand name Diflucan. Fluconazole is a prescription-only treatment for Candida-caused fungal infections.
Side effects of fluconazole include nausea, dizziness, rash, headache, diarrhea, and more.
Nice, huh?
Look, if it’s working for you, I’m not here to tell you to stop taking it. However, coconut oil may be just as effective, as indicated by this study.
Yeasts, viruses and fungus - become resistant to drugs over time.
Conversely, I haven’t come across any research that shows they become resistant to coconut oil over time.
FACT 2: Coconut oil is an anti-aging oil
Typically, an oil that prevents aging would be applied topically.
But eating coconut oil may prevent lipid and protein oxidation. Many edible oils do the opposite.
You’ve no doubt heard that coconut oil can help lower bad cholesterol. But did you know that it can help cholesterol enzymatically convert into antiaging steroids? This is one way it prevents degenerative diseases.
FACT 3: Coconut oil is a great fat for weight loss
When you’re getting fit, you might watch your macros. Counting macronutrients means watching the percentage of protein, carbs, and fats you eat daily.
Ideally, you should try to get 25% fat or less daily.
Get your fat from coconut oil, avocado, and some nuts.
Studies show that coconut oil can give you more energy and help you burn more calories.
In fact, you may find yourself eating fewer calories, to begin with.
FACT 4: Coconut oil is a healthy fat for digestion and organ health
Antimicrobial saturated fats with vitamins and amino acids, my friends. These can decrease symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, and there’s no better source than coconut oil.
Do you have a history of taking tons of antibiotics?
If your doctor can’t help but write you prescriptions every time you get the sniffles, get plenty of coconut oil.
Don’t believe me?
One study shows that it might protect you from liver toxicity due to these medicines.
FACT 5: Coconut has been part of a healthy diet for many years
Maybe you’ve heard the whole spiel about Pacific Islanders having spectacular health before. In particular, on the island of Kitava things like heart failure, strokes and even acne are quite rare.
Researchers conclude that their diet is a key factor. Kitavans eat fish, tubers, fruit and one magical drupe - the coconut.
Look, I’m not saying that coconut oil cures all ails. These people begin such a diet at birth, and don’t endure the specific stresses more developed areas do.
Apparently, it isn’t genetic, as those with comparable genetics have fallen victim to Western disease via diet.
It may be as much about what they’re not eating (salt, dairy, added sugar) as what they are.
Still, conclusions specifically mention that medium-chain triglycerides from coconuts contribute to their great health.
Despite the saturated fat present in coconuts and coconut oil, obesity is also very rare on Kitava.
Is This Bulletproof Coffee?
A lot of people who are veterans of mixing coconut oil and coffee started at the suggestion of Dave Asprey.
Asprey invented Bulletproof coffee after searching for a replacement for - get this - some yak-butter tea he drank in Tibet.
And boy, did Bulletproof coffee take off like a lightning bolt.
Celebrities swear by it, and Asprey himself says it’s helped raise his IQ. To this day, people who go Bulletproof can’t stop shouting about the mental clarity and clean energy they get.
So, what is it?
Is it just another word for coffee with coconut oil in it?
Not exactly.
Bulletproof coffee is made with coffee, a few tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and MCT oil.
Let me explain.
MCT oil is fractionated coconut oil. To be clear - no pun intended - the majority of the lauric acid has been removed, leaving the oil clear and perpetually liquid.
While MCT oil certainly has its benefits, I’m not a fan of processed oils. Personally, I want all of the lauric acid.
Also, Bulletproof coffee doesn’t use just any coffee - you must use “upgraded” coffee.
This coffee comes from a certain altitude and has been through a special process which allegedly removes mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are a type of mold or fungus.
However, I'm not convinced that mycotoxins are more highly present in coffee than they are in many other foods.
Also, the levels present (if at all) rank well below safety limits. Truthfully, you can’t avoid all germs, you can’t avoid all bacteria, and you cannot avoid all mycotoxins.
Finally, there’s the grass-fed butter.
Grass-fed butter has numerous benefits for sure. If you’re going to eat butter, I’d definitely recommend opting for it.
As for coffee, well, at this time I still prefer my butter on toast.
By all means, if you love or would like to try Bulletproof coffee, there’s no real harm. However, if your coffee isn’t “upgraded” and you’re not including butter, it isn’t Bulletproof.
I always want to give my readers cost-effective options that they have access to. Especially when we’re discussing something as habitual as coffee!
Coming up... why put coconut oil in coffee.
We’re going to explore different ways to add coconut oil to coffee without compromising taste and enjoyment.
Will my coconut oil coffee ideas raise your IQ?
Perhaps not.
Learning something new never hurts it though. It may not be Bulletproof, but it’s pretty darn good.
How to Use Coconut Oil in Coffee
Here is a one minute video showing how to blend coconut oil and coffee.
If you’ve been pouring flavored nondairy creamer into your cup of coffee, coconut oil just doesn’t sound as tasty. But it really can be!
The secret is simple. You have to blend it up.
This will make it frothier and latte-like, and help the oil incorporate more uniformly. Usually, if you let it sit, the oil can start to collect on top.
You must consider the temperature of your coffee and how that matches up to your blender’s performance.
Ever try to blend very hot coffee in a blender that doesn’t support hot liquid?
You’ll have quite a mess.
If you have a regular blender do the following to prevent splatter:
- Let the coffee cool until it’s “very warm”, rather than “hot”
- Vent it; your blender probably has a movable piece in the center of the lid
- Blend on a lower speed
- Blend small amounts at a time; no more than 1/3 full
On the other hand, if you have a hand blender or something akin to a Vitamix, you’re good to go. Now onto the recipes!
Recipe 1. Healthier Mint Mocha Latte
I’m nuts about mint chocolate - maybe you can relate.
However, I avoid most sugar and excessive amounts of milk fat.
Just one mint mocha latte from a chain café can run 350 calories - and that’s if you get a small.
Mine? It’s about half of that. You’re welcome.
Ingredients:
Ground coffee
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil
A few drops peppermint extract
A few drops liquid stevia optional
First, add the cocoa powder to your coffee and brew as usual. Let cool a bit, and pour two cups of coffee into the blender (if not hand-blending).
Next, add the peppermint and optional stevia, and plop in your coconut oil. Finally, blend on low to medium speed for 20-30 seconds.
Recipe 2. Cinnamon and Super Spice Latte
Honestly, do you have trouble getting going in the morning?
Want to heal inflammation and boost weight loss?
This is the latte for you. Here, I’ve included cayenne pepper to complement the cinnamon.
Let’s get down to blending!
Ingredients:
Ground coffee
2 teaspoons Ceylon cinnamon
1.5 tablespoons unrefined virgin coconut oil
1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For this latte, brew your coffee with the cinnamon before cooling. Blend it with the coconut oil and cayenne pepper. The spicy kick reminds me of Mexican-style mochas I used to get at the local coffee joint.
Also, this is a great formula for a morning when you wake up with that familiar ominous tingle in your throat. Cayenne pepper contains compounds which kill bacteria and fungus and break up mucus.
It can also ramp up your metabolism.
Recipe 3. Golden Triple Coconut Coffee
Have you ever heard of golden milk?
If so, ask yourself what could make this soothing, healing drink even better. I’m sure a number of you will shout in unison, “Coffee!”
Golden milk recipes don’t always include coconut oil, but you can’t make it without turmeric. As many of you know, turmeric has many of the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties that coconut oil does.
Additionally, it’s a natural cure for mood disorders, menstrual cramps, and it aids in detoxification.
Want to stop feeling guilty about your caffeinated morning vice? Whip up this drink, and make no apologies.
Ingredients:
1 cup of coffee - hot brewed, pressed, or cold brewed
1 tablespoon unrefined organic coconut oil
2-4 oz. of unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/5 teaspoon organic coconut sugar
Throw it all into your blender and whip it up - it’s that easy. Golden milk is a sacred, traditional drink with a staggering amount of possibilities. By combining it with your daily coffee ritual, you ensure that you’ll stick with it.
TODAY's BONUS TIP: Coconut oil and tea
I don’t drink coffee daily, but like I said, I love the antioxidants and energy I get from it when I do partake.
I’m mainly interested in concocting new ways for everyone to quit coffee creamer forever.
However, I do drink tea almost every day. And you can blend coconut oil up with tea, too!
I recommend starting out by making a hot cup of classic green tea. Dip a spoonful of coconut oil into stir as it melts. You’ll find yourself using less sugar, honey, or other sweeteners.
Still, my favorite coconut oil-tea treat is an ice blended chai. Brew a few bags of chai tea in 2-3 cups of water, and let it chill in the fridge.
Then, blend it with a cup of coconut milk, a spoonful of coconut oil, and ice cubes. It’s better than a frappe and has less caffeine than coffee.
Final Word on: Why Put Coconut Oil in Coffee?
Over the last year, I’ve heard from several people who just can’t tolerate swallowing straight oil.
Even oils as pleasant and creamy as coconut can be hard for some. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to get around this.
Coconut oil in coffee is a total magic trick.
Dark, bitter coffee is instantly transformed into a light, frothy coconut latte.
You don’t need dairy fat, you don’t need special, pricey coffee beans, and you definitely don’t need tons of sugar.
Best of all, blending coconut oil in your coffee fits right in with all of your other healthy habits. Coconut oil has been shown to:
- Kill harmful bacteria and yeast
- Slow oxidation, preventing aging
- Support healthy weight loss
- Improve digestion and protect organs
- Help Prevent disease
If you haven’t tried putting coconut oil in your coffee, what are you waiting for?
Or, would you rather try Bulletproof coffee? What about Bulletproof do you think makes it better?
Are there any other coconut oil uses you’d like to know more about?
Be sure to leave a comment and let everyone know what you think.