Coconut Oil in Coffee: The Benefits of Adding MCTs to Your Brew

A cup of coffee is a popular way to kick-start your morning and energize yourself for the day ahead. However, the energy boost from most coffees is typically short-lived, leading to an eventual energy crash. Fortunately, health enthusiasts have discovered a clever hack to enhance your coffee experience. Not only does this hack prolong your energy boost, it also adds a burst of flavor and numerous health benefits. Their secret ingredient? MCT-rich coconut oil. Prepare to elevate your coffee routine significantly.

What is MCT Oil?

MCT Oil is derived from medium chain triglycerides, a type of fat present in dairy products and especially abundant in palm kernel oil and coconut oil.¹ Medium chain triglycerides are named for their 6 to 12 carbon atoms, unlike the 13 to 21 carbon atoms in long-chain fatty acids.² The body processes medium-chain fatty acids differently than long-chain ones, breaking them down in the gut and liver into ketones that help enhance energy levels.²

Coconut Oil Coffee Benefits

Adding coconut oil to your coffee not only imparts a light, nutty flavor and a smooth texture but also offers a healthier alternative to many commercial coffee creamers. It is particularly popular among keto diet followers. Here are some benefits of infusing your coffee with coconut oil.

Supports a Healthy Weight

Incorporating coconut oil in your coffee, along with a balanced diet and exercise, can significantly enhance your weight management efforts. Coconut oil has been scientifically proven to increase levels of peptide YY and leptin, which promote satiety and may reduce food intake.³ Additionally, MCTs are known to increase energy expenditure and fat burning.⁴ They also provide an immediate energy boost, reducing the body’s need to store fat.⁵

Boosts Brain Function

Coconut oil in coffee might sharpen your cognitive functions. Research indicates that aging adults show improved brain energy utilization from ketones compared to glucose.⁶ Moreover, MCTs can cross the blood-brain barrier, enhancing brain cell energy and potentially stimulating the production of brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF), which protects brain cells and promotes the growth of healthy neurons.^7,8

Promotes Energy and Athletic Performance

Coconut oil is not only a superb fuel for brain function but also enhances overall body energy. When added to coffee, it helps extend the effects of caffeine, providing sustained energy. Studies show that coconut oil can increase fat burning during workouts and boost endurance during high-intensity exercise.⁹

It’s Keto Diet Friendly

Coconut oil coffee, which can be sweetened with keto-friendly options like stevia or monk fruit, complements a ketogenic diet perfectly.

How to Use MCT Oil in Coffee

Preparing coconut oil coffee is straightforward. Brew a cup of your favorite coffee—ideally an organic and sustainably sourced blend—and add a teaspoon to a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil or liquid coconut oil. Blend until frothy using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, then enjoy.

More Coffee Hacks to Enhance Your Brew

If you’re looking to add more excitement to your coffee, here are some healthy and flavorful tricks:

• Add Spices: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on your brew for a delightful flavor boost.
• Make Your Own Flavored Creamer: Combine milk or a milk substitute like cashew or almond milk with a sweetener of your choice to create homemade creamer.
• DIY Coffee Syrup: Mix equal parts turbinado sugar and water, boil until dissolved, then flavor with extracts and spices as desired, cool, and store using a funnel and a bottle with a pour spout.
• Give Your Beans a Flavor Enhancement: Store coffee beans with vanilla beans, organic cinnamon sticks, or orange peels to infuse them with flavor.

There you have it—a new and healthy way to enjoy your daily coffee buzz. While you might explore other types like butter coffee, coconut oil coffee remains a simple and beneficial addition to your morning routine, enhancing your health and wellness journey.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like 2019 Wellness Trends for Crushing Your Resolutions and What’s the Buzz About Coffee and Caffeine? Also, be sure to sign up for BubbForest Health Emails to receive expert advice and our best promotions directly to your inbox.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for pie. She empowers individuals to take charge of their health by finding the balance between pleasure and nourishment in food.

Her philosophy is that you should care for your body because it is the only permanent home you have. This belief inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and ultimately led her to BubbForest Health.

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