Perhaps nothing is more controversial or highly debated in the health world than coconut oil and coffee. These two delicious substances have been the subject of hundreds of studies, some in support, some opposed. The evidence is thoroughly confusing. No worries, we’re here to dispel the myths about coffee and coconut oil once and for all.
Not only are coffee and coconut oil healthy, but combining them into a coffee drink is an excellent way to reap the benefits of both. Here’s why you should put coconut oil in your morning coffee and evidence that places these superfoods thoroughly on the “nice” list.
Heart-healthy benefits of coffee
- Improves HDL
- Reduces LDL oxidation
- Provides antioxidant benefits
- Lowers stroke risk
- Reduces risk of heart failure
- Lowers risk of heart disease
Coconut oil: Friend or foe?
Fat isn’t bad. Your body needs good, healthy fat to function. Though modern medicine and dietary guidelines are slowly coming to support a fat-friendly diet, the opposition still stands.
While there are certain types of fat that you should avoid (trans fat in processed food), coconut oil is not one of them. This rich, tropical treasure is a gift of health that we should accept with open arms. It is antimicrobial, has high antioxidants, supports weight loss, and even protects against dementia. And yes, it supports your heart as well.
Coconut oil and the heart
Raises HDL levels
Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid, shown to increase HDL. HDL is essential because it works as a scavenger in the blood, removing cholesterol from plaque and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Lauric acid can also fight germs and bacteria and is the primary fatty acid responsible for coconut oil’s antimicrobial powers.
Some studies suggest that coconut oil could raise LDL levels, which has caused the American Heart Association to write off coconut oil for heart health. However, LDL is not always bad. It is necessary for your body. Shout it from the rooftops: fat isn’t bad! Nor does it contribute to poor cholesterol ratios. Dense, harmful LDL particles primarily come from a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar.
Aids in weight loss
Incorporating coconut oil into your coffee could be an excellent way to keep belly fat away and reduce your appetite. Caffeine in coffee is a natural appetite suppressant, and the MCTs in coconut oil can reduce the amount of food you need to eat to get full, helping you eat smaller portions, keeping you at a healthy weight, and putting less strain on your heart.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants help fight disease-causing free radicals in the body that cause harmful oxidation when left unchecked. This oxidative stress leads to cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and signs of aging.
Cultivate a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods like coconut oil to help protect yourself from these harmful effects.
The best coconut oil and coffee recipe
Whip up this simple, coffee to take your morning cup of joe to the next level. We love making this when we need that extra morning energy boost to get us through the day.
What you’ll need:
- Coffee: Always choose quality, 100 percent organic coffee. Finding reputable, clean coffee can be a challenge; try our Cardiology Coffee for a delicious, organic, toxin-free beverage.
- Coconut oil: Organic, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil is always best.
- Nut milk: This ingredient is optional. If you like your coffee a little more creamy, add a splash of homemade nut milk.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, nutmeg, turmeric, or ground cloves make your coffee taste gourmet and add impressive health benefits as well.
How to make it:
- Simply brew your coffee however you usually do. We love a french press or pour-over coffee for a richer flavor.
- Pour into a blender. A handheld frother also works.
- Add a spoonful of coconut oil. Start with a small amount to get used to the taste, and slowly add more as you adjust—about a tablespoon per cup.
- Pour in nut milk and spices if desired.
- Mix in the blender for about one minute until the coconut oil is mixed. The coffee will be slightly foamy and will be a light brown color.
Note: If you drink your coffee with sweetener, this is a great way to start enjoying your morning coffee without the extra sugar, as the rich flavor will be a great substitute. Honey, monk fruit sweetener, or maple syrup in moderation are suitable alternatives if you still want a hint of sweetness.
Some people add butter to their coffee for an even more significant fat boost. If you handle dairy well and choose to use it, always purchase raw, organic butter. Local is best!
A word of caution about coffee
Like any stimulant, coffee can quickly become a habit, even an addiction. It wakes you up, helps you feel more alert, and quitting daily coffee can leave you with nasty withdrawal headaches. Therefore, many people are stuck in a vicious cycle, unable to focus and stay awake without their morning cup (or four).
As with most things in life, too much of a good thing is still too much. Enjoy coffee in moderation, and if you notice yourself getting hooked, avoid drinking it for a few weeks and only enjoy it occasionally. Try to stick to one cup per day and always enjoy organic coffee made with filtered water with no added artificial sweeteners.
Those fancy $5 frappuccinos you get each day on your way to work are not real coffee. They’re sugar bombs that destroy your health and your wallet. Avoid these drinks at all costs.
Remember, with foods like coffee, it is all about what your body can handle. If you get jittery, find your heart rate affected, or simply don’t like how it makes you feel, don’t drink it!
Next steps
Coconut oil and coffee make an unstoppable team with immense benefits for your heart and your entire body. Plus, bulletproof coffee tastes incredible, which is always a bonus. Beware, once you start putting coconut oil in your coffee, you’ll never go back.
Enjoy your coffee, enjoy your coconut oil, and always do your research before blindly following mainstream health guidelines. Check out our Cardiology Coffee page for more information on coffee and heart health!
Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well
Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD
