Coffee enthusiasts are creative when it comes to their cup of joe. Some add whiskey while others mix it with chocolate and other beverages. However, some are taking on a new trend these days, that of adding coconut oil to their coffee. Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from the meat, wick, and milk of the coconut palm fruit and unrefined varieties have a recognizable coconut aroma.
Does coconut oil make coffee less acidic?
No, coconut oil does not make coffee less acidic. Instead, it may likely make your coffee slightly more acidic. This is brought about by the natural release of a small percentage of free fatty acids during the processing stage, making coconut oil quite acidic by itself, more or less five pH.
If you try to drink it straight from the jar, you will likely experience a scratchy throat. If you tend to have acid reflux, try to cut back from adding too much coconut oil in your coffee. Place only one teaspoon of coconut oil in coffee especially if you are still a newbie user. Also, cut back on sugar as it could raise the acidity of your coffee making your coconut oil plus coffee combo more acidic.
Different ways to use coconut oil in your coffee
These are the different ways to use coconut oil in your coffee:
By adding it to your hot coffee.
If you prefer a hot coffee drink, put a spoonful of coconut oil at the bottom of your cup and pour the coffee over it. Stir well so that everything will be dissolved and enjoy your cup of joe. Some people may also add butter or honey and mix it in a blender.
By adding it to cold brew or iced coffee.
Cold-brew or iced coffee becomes more flavorful by adding a spoonful of coconut oil. However, you may need a blender to mix everything well. Your coffee becomes more flavorful by adding in a little milk and honey.
As an ingredient for bulletproof coffee.
Bulletproof coffee or butter coffee is made with added fats and is meant to give you energy throughout the day. This high-calorie drink was created by Dave Asprey, the originator of the Bulletproof Diet. This coffee became popular with low-carb dieters and fans of the keto diet.
Here are the steps on how to make bulletproof coffee:
- First, brew one cup or eight to 12 ounces of coffee beans.
- Add coffee, coconut oil and butter to a blender.
- Finally, blend for 20 to 30 seconds until it forms a creamy latte.
Health benefits and downsides of coconut oil
These are the health benefits of coconut oil:
1. It could help speed up your metabolism.
Studies indicate that the medium-chain triglycerides or MCT in coconut oil, as well as the caffeine in coffee, could help speed up your metabolism. This can increase the calories that you burn in a day.
It may help improve energy levels.
Coconut oil is rich in MCTs that are transported straight to your liver and act as quick sources of energy.
2. It could help you stay in ketosis.
It can help you maintain ketosis, a metabolic state at which point your body uses ketones, molecules produced from fat breakdown, as fuel instead of glucose. By maintaining ketosis you will be able to lose weight and experience improved blood sugar control and reduced risk from heart disease.
3. It could help regulate bowel movement.
The MCTs in coconut oil and coffee compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids could help stimulate your bowels so that your digestive system will function well.
4. It could help raise good cholesterol.
Several studies indicate that coconut oil can help raise high-density lipoproteins or HDL, considered as good cholesterol. HDL removes other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream and helps protect against heart diseases.
Downsides of Coconut Oil
1. You could miss out on important nutrients.
Some people use coffee with coconut oil as a breakfast replacement. However, doing so could make you miss out on essential nutrients that you can only get if you eat a balanced breakfast.
2. It is high in calories.
Coconut oil is high in calories and it has around 121 calories per tablespoon or 14 grams. Some people use two tablespoons in their coffee which equals 242 calories. If this is so, you may be in for some trouble since it could take about 50 minutes of brisk walking to burn that amount of calories.
3. You will likely gain weight.
While coconut oil in coffee may boost your metabolism, you may still likely gain weight if you do not consider the added calories. Those calories may likely exceed the calories expended as a result of the small metabolism increase related to the intake of caffeine and MCTs. There may also be the risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder issues if you do not limit fat intake.
How much coconut oil should you use?
Add just one tablespoon equivalent to 14 grams to hot coffee and be sure to stir it well so the oil will incorporate well with the coffee. This is the recommended amount if you are just starting to use coconut oil in your coffee. You can eventually use two tablespoons or 28 grams of coconut oil especially if you are on a keto diet. However, be sure to make the gradual transition so you won’t suffer any stomach discomfort or laxative-like symptoms.
Conclusion
Some coffee lovers are experimenting with coconut oil especially those who are on a keto diet. Coconut oil does not make coffee less acidic but instead, it could make it more acidic. This is due to the natural release of free fatty acids during the processing stage. Opt for just one teaspoon or a tablespoon of coconut oil and cut back on sugar so your coffee won’t be likely acidic.
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