You’ve probably heard about the benefits of coconut oil, especially if you are on the keto diet. But having someone tell you to put coconut oil in your coffee may sound less than appealing.
But let me tell you, it is one of my new favorite ways to enjoy my coffee in the morning!
I’m not real big on believing or following fad diets or trends, but after a little bit of research, I decided that adding a little coconut oil into my diet would be beneficial.
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Benefits of coconut oil
Not all fat is “bad fat.” Your body needs fats to absorb vitamins, protect your organs, and support cell growth.
Coconut oil is packed with good fats (MCTs especially) that the body can use as quick source of energy. Coconut oil may also boost heart health and help the body to burn fat. Some also report that consuming coconut oil helps them feel full longer (reducing pantry raids and impulse snacking) and a noticeable increase in energy.
According to an article from Medical News Today, coconut oil may
- increase good cholesterol
- help control blood sugar
- reduce stress
- act as an anti-inflammatory
- promote regularity
- boost hair, skin, and nail health
- prevent liver disease
- reduce appetite
- aid in weight loss
I’ve only been doing this for a week or two, but I have noticed that I don’t get “hangry” as quickly and I do feel more energetic. I picked up teaching a bonus indoor cycling class this week, so I’ll take all the healthy energy I can get! Plus, for me, I genuinely like the way coconut oil tastes in my coffee.
Why put coconut oil in your coffee?
Ok, but why should I put it in my coffee you may be wondering. Let’s get into that…
1. Extra energy
Some people just like the way that coffee tastes, but most of us are looking for our morning dose of caffeine to get us going. The caffeine found in coffee acts as a stimulant, giving you the energy boost so many of us need. Caffeine also can boost brain function, improve memory, and speed up your reaction time.
In a similar way, the body can also use good fats (like the MCTs found in coconut oil) as a source of energy. These fats are burned as fuel instead of being stored in the body.
Combining these two energy sources in your coffee gives you the best of both worlds. The caffeine found in coffee can give you a quick jolt, while the MCTs found in coconut oil can help provide a more long-term source of energy.
Be mindful of your body. Too much caffeine can make one feel shaky, jittery, and even nauseated.
2. Weight loss support
Putting coconut oil in your coffee can help you to feel satisfied for longer. When you feel full and satisfied, you are less likely to reach for extra snacks or sugary beverages which can aid in your weight loss journey. Coconut oil has approximately 120 calories per tablespoon, which can help hold you over for a bit longer. Better to get those calories out of natural products, such as coconut oil, than a processed snack or dessert item.
Also, the caffeine found in coffee can raise your metabolism rate, which helps you to burn more calories.
3. Improved mood
Are you starting to see how these reasons for putting coconut oil in your coffee are all related? When you have the energy you need and aren’t hangry, your mood will probably be pretty positive! No one I know is very optimistic when they’re sleepy or hungry.
4. Consistent #2s
Yup, I went there. A nurse friend once told me that if you’re struggling to go #2, drink a black cup of coffee relatively quickly. It’s also well-known that fats and oils can help, hmm, slide things along well as well.
Combine the two and voila! More reliable bowels.
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5. A yummy and satisfying drink!
I’m on some sort of coconut kick – I can’t get enough of it! By putting coconut oil in my coffee each morning, it gives me just a hint of sweetness (and beach vibes, haha) without adding a whole bunch of extra sugar. It’s something I’ve learned to look forward to each morning (after I drink a tumbler of water).
For even more reasons to put coconut oil in your coffee, check out this post from Roasty Coffee.
How to put coconut oil in your coffee without a blender
There are several ways to brew your coffee with coconut oil, many of which use a blender. Personally, that’s not my favorite way simply because it’s just another dish I have to wash.
On hectic mornings, I put 2 tsp of coconut oil and 1 tsp of honey in my mug and then brew the coffee on top to melt everything. The honey is just for a little extra sweetness, but the honey taste is virtually unnoticeable. Heads up, this way does look and feel a little oily.
But my favorite way to do this is to make a latte at home. I just have a very inexpensive espresso machine, but it makes me feel oh so fancy. Using the same amount of coconut oil and honey, I add about 1/2 cup of milk (oat milk has been the tastiest!) and steam it all together with a little foam on top. I’ve been adding it to two shots of espresso and mmmmm, soooo good!
Budget-Friendly Espresso Machines
Adding steamed milk to your coffee with coconut oil helps the flavors to blend and makes it feel extra luxurious. But having a great latte at home doesn’t have to cost you hundreds of dollars. Just like with anything else, the higher the price tag the more features and luxury appeal an item will have, but that doesn’t have to stop you.
Here are a few budget-friendly options for you to consider.
GEVI Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
For right around $100, this Gevi espresso machine is an excellent choice! I love how it comes with all of the accessories you need to brew a perfect at-home coconut oil latte.
With dual brewing stations, a helpful temperature control, and a professional milk frothing wand, it’s no wonder that the Gevi espresso machine has great reviews!
Mr. Coffee Espresso System
The Mr. Coffee Espresso system can be found in many national stores (and off Amazon, of course) for around $50. This is a great budget-friendly buy and very friendly to the one I use regularly!
Reviewers love it’s “bang for its buck” and included milk frothing instructions, which are perfect for beginners.
Zulay Milk Frother
For under $20, you cannot beat the Zulay milk frother! It has over 60K raving reviews and comes in a variety of fun colors. It’s easy to clean and store and only uses two AA batteries.
Things to remember when adding coconut oil to your coffee
As we wrap this up, here are a few final things to remember before reaching for that coconut oil with your morning cup of joe.
- Choose Extra Virgin. Extra virgin coconut oil is less processed, which makes it a healthier and more natural option. Plus, it better enables your body to make the most of coconut oil’s health benefits.
- Return to a liquid state. When chilled (or at room temperature), coconut oil may return to solid or semi-solid state. Warm it up slightly to return it to a liquid state to easily measure and portion it out.
- Consume in moderation. As with so many things, too much of anything can be detrimental. Consume coconut oil in moderation and monitor your body’s reaction. It only takes a few teaspoons to reap the benefits of coconut oil, so don’t over-do it and always consult your doctor or healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have.
Try putting a few teaspoons of coconut oil in your coffee this week and start experiencing all of the added benefits of this dynamic duo.
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Kelcey has been married to her husband for 9 years and has two super giggly little girls. She is a stay-at-home mom, indoor cycling instructor, hater of clutter, lover of dark chocolate almonds and enjoys writing posts that are helpful and relatable to other moms.