If you are thinking of a magical beverage that can help you shed some extra pounds and provide a great deal of energy, it’s coffee with coconut oil. Wait. What? Coconut oil in coffee? Are you sure? Yes, we are. Adding coconut oil to your coffee is a great idea if you want to boost your immune system, increase your metabolism, and boost energy levels. It also aids in cleansing your digestive system, boosting brain function, and improving the nutrient uptake.
While this trend is still trying to take place in many people’s hearts and minds, it has shown positive results in many individuals who have tried the coffee-coconut oil blend.
If you are one of those who are looking for more information to weigh the pros and cons of this coffee blend idea, then take a look at the benefits and side effects of adding coconut oil to coffee.
Benefits of Adding Coconut Oil to Coffee
Coconut oil and coffee actually have many of the same characteristics, at least in terms of their effect on the body, so combining the two makes for an extremely powerful beverage that can have a noticeable impact on your health. Let’s take a look at the benefits in detail.
Digestion
A 2009 research by the Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Japan suggests that having coffee after a meal can enhance gastric emptying. Many people experience a rumbling in their stomach after their first cup of coffee, and that stimulation of the digestive system is similar to what coconut oil does. It is a natural laxative and helps increase peristaltic motion in the gut to move stool through the system quickly, while also improving the nutrient uptake along the way. [1] [2]
Adding coconut oil to coffee helps improve your metabolism. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Appetite
Coffee tends to replace breakfast for some people, and coconut oil can have a similar effect. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are processed by the liver, which releases ketones into the body, creating an effect of satiety. This means less overeating or snacking between meals, making it important for people who are trying to lose weight.
Energy
Unlike many other types of fats, medium-chain fatty acids, which are found in coconut oil, are sent directly to the liver and do not get stored as fat. Instead, they are converted directly into energy, which helps you not only lose weight, but also have a healthy, energetic boost on top of the caffeine burst in the coffee. If you’re drinking coffee to wake up anyways, why not eliminate the jitters and give yourself a genuine kick-start every day!
Metabolism
Caffeine increases the metabolic rate of the body, and experts say it can help burn extra calories every day; research has also shown that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil also speed up the metabolism. This equals passive weight loss and a positive impact on your metabolic health, which is always a good thing. [3] [4]
Cognition
Studies have shown that moderate caffeine consumption helps in boosting cognition, especially in patients with hemodialysis patients due to selective enhancement of attention and vigilance. Although this is true, we suggest you consult with a medical expert before trying this new combination. [5]
How Much Coconut Oil Should I Put in My Coffee?
You should put at least 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into your cup of coffee in the morning, although some people add 2 tablespoons or more. The most important thing is to find the right level for your body. As mentioned above, coconut oil is a natural laxative, and coffee often acts as one for people.
Therefore, using two tablespoons the first time you mix this oil into your coffee may result in an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation. Furthermore, coconut oil is high in fats and calories, so to prevent weight loss, it is important to regulate your intake.
Your body should also get used to the new addition, considering that coconut can have some powerful effects on a number of different systems. Start with 1 tablespoon (or less) and gradually increase the amount until you reach a comfortable level.
Coconut Oil Coffee Recipes
Simple Recipe
Scoop out two 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and put it in the bottom of your coffee cup. Pour the hot coffee or herbal tea over the oil and then stir. The oil will quickly dissolve, leaving you with a simple and delicious morning drink.
Cold Drink Recipe
Mix 1.5 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1.5 tablespoons of milk into your cup of coffee. Then, add half a tablespoon of honey and a 1/4 cup of crushed ice. Stir this mixture well until the color is consistent and then enjoy this refreshing beverage.
Bulletproof Coffee
While there is some controversy over this new, popular take on coffee, it does deliver quite an energy burst. Mix 3 tablespoons of butter and 1.5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your coffee. Making larger batches of this is easier, since putting the ingredients in a blender is recommended. This rich, creamy coffee packed with coconut oil (and butter) will keep you energized for hours.
