Forget sugary lattes and afternoon slumps. Coffee lovers with weight loss goals are buzzing about coconut coffee, a creamy concoction promising a delicious morning pick-me-up with a potential side of weight loss. But is it just hype, or is there real science behind this trendy drink? Let’s dive deep and explore the ingredients in coconut coffee to see if it lives up to the buzz.
Table of Contents
What is Coconut Coffee?
Coconut coffee is a beverage that combines brewed coffee with coconut oil or MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides derived from coconut oil). It’s gaining popularity for its potential health benefits and unique flavor. It aligns with the ketogenic diet, which prioritizes fat for fuel and may promote fat burning.
Taste and Texture: Coconut coffee adds a subtle coconut flavor and a creamy texture to your regular coffee. Some find it enjoyable, while others may not be fans of the oiliness.
Coconut Coffee: The Power of MCT Oil
Coconut coffee is a delicious beverage that’s gaining popularity for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. A key ingredient in this drink is MCT oil, derived from coconut oil. But what exactly are MCTs, and how do they contribute to the experience of coconut coffee?
Demystifying MCT Oil: A Blend of Beneficial Fats
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat found in coconut oil. Compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are more common in our diet, MCTs offer several advantages:
- Easier Digestion: MCTs have a shorter carbon chain length, making them easier for the body to break down and absorb.
- Quick Energy Source: Unlike LCTs that require more processing, MCTs are readily converted into energy, potentially boosting mental clarity and physical performance.
There are different types of MCTs, each with its own benefits:
- Caprylic Acid (C8): May enhance cognitive function and provide a quick energy boost.
- Lauric Acid (C12): Studies suggest it can improve cholesterol levels and support immune system health.
Optimizing Your Coffee with MCT Oil:
Adding MCT oil to your coffee can enhance its creamy texture and potentially provide a sustained energy lift. However, it’s important to note that research on MCT oil’s benefits is ongoing.
Now, while coconut coffee offers a great introduction to MCT oil, some people find the process of DIY-ing their coffee a little messy or time-consuming. That’s where pre-made, high-quality options like Bulletproof Coffee come in.
For the past few months, I’ve been using Bulletproof Coffee as part of my keto diet, and the results have been fantastic. The convenient single-serving packets with grass-fed butter and Brain Octane MCT oil (a high-quality blend specifically chosen for its health benefits) have made sticking to my keto plan a breeze.
More importantly, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my weight loss journey. The sustained energy boost from the MCT oil helps me power through workouts and keeps me feeling satisfied throughout the morning, preventing cravings and overeating.
Curious to try Bulletproof Coffee for yourself? Head over to their online store and explore their wide range of flavors and blends. As an affiliate of Bulletproof, I do make a small commission on any purchases made through this link, at no additional cost to you. This simply means your support helps keep me creating informative content like this!
Coconut Coffee: User Reviews
Coconut coffee experiences vary. Some users rave about its benefits, while others find it less agreeable. Here’s a breakdown:
🫡 Positive Reviews:
- Energy and Appetite Control: Many users report a significant energy boost and increased satiety after consuming coconut coffee. [Healthline]
- Cognitive Benefits and Reduced Cravings: Some users experience improved cognitive function and reduced cravings for sugary foods, possibly due to the MCTs in coconut oil. [Amazon Review]
- Easy to Blend: If you find the oiliness unappealing, blending your coffee with coconut oil can create a smoother texture. [Reddit]
🦹♂️ Negative Reviews:
- Digestive Issues: Some users, especially those new to high-fat diets, experience digestive discomfort like stomach upset or diarrhea due to the added coconut oil. [MyFitnessPal]
- Limited Effects: Not everyone notices a significant change in energy levels or weight loss. Coconut coffee may be more effective when combined with other dietary changes. [Trustpilot]
- Unpleasant Taste and Texture: The oily texture and coconut flavor can be off-putting for some people. [Reddit]
Coconut Coffee: Potential Benefits
- Energy Boost: May offer longer-lasting energy than regular coffee due to caffeine and MCTs for quick energy.
- Weight Management: Studies suggest it might aid weight loss by potentially boosting metabolism and fat burning, especially with intermittent fasting or low-carb diets1.
- Cholesterol Impact: Lauric acid in coconut oil may improve cholesterol profiles (increase HDL, decrease LDL), potentially benefiting heart health2.
- Immune Support (possible): Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties might offer some immune system benefits, but more research is needed.
- Focus (anecdotal): Some users report improved focus, possibly due to MCTs used by the brain for energy (needs research confirmation).
Coconut Coffee: Potential Downsides
- Digestive Discomfort: New to high-fat diets? Coconut coffee might cause bloating, diarrhea, or nausea due to the added oils.
- High Calorie Count: Watch out! The added fats can make coconut coffee calorie-dense, potentially hindering weight loss goals3.
- Taste and Texture: Not everyone enjoys the taste or texture. Some find the oiliness and coconut flavor unpleasant.
- Increased Fat Intake: Even healthy fats need balance. Coconut coffee’s high-fat content might not suit everyone’s dietary needs.
- Cholesterol Impact: Unclear effects on cholesterol. Lauric acid in coconut oil might be beneficial, but high saturated fat intake could raise LDL cholesterol.
- Keto-Dependence: Works best with a keto diet. Benefits might be weaker otherwise, and added fats could disrupt your diet.
- Individual Response: Effects vary. Some experience energy boosts and focus, while others might not feel anything or have negative side effects.
The Weight Loss Benefits of Coconut Coffee
Here’s how coconut coffee might be a factor in your weight loss journey:
- MCT Oil and Fat Burning: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are processed differently by the body than other fats, potentially leading to increased production of ketone bodies. Ketones can be used as an energy source, and new research4 suggests they may also play a role in fat burning.
- Ketogenic Diet Support: If you’re following a keto diet, which prioritizes fat for fuel, coconut coffee can be a helpful addition. The MCTs in coconut oil may help you maintain ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates5.
- Unique Combination for Weight Loss: Compared to some weight-loss beverages like green tea, coconut coffee offers a combination of caffeine and healthy fats. Caffeine can boost metabolism slightly, and the healthy fats in coconut oil may provide a feeling of satiety, potentially reducing calorie intake.
Looking for a Trendy Weight Loss Drink? Skip the store-bought options and make your own healthy coconut coffee at home!
How To Make Coconut Coffee
Simple Recipe:
- Brew your favorite coffee.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil or MCT oil.
- Blend for a smooth and frothy beverage.
- Enjoy your creamy, energy-boosting coconut coffee.
Pro Tips and Variations:
- For a flavor twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- For a sweeter taste: Try a few drops of stevia or a splash of coconut milk.
🫃🏿Digestive note: Be aware that some people experience digestive issues with coconut oil, especially when starting out. If this is the case for you, start with a small amount (½ teaspoon) and gradually increase the quantity as your body adjusts.
Important Considerations
While coconut coffee reviews paint a promising picture, it’s important to consider these factors:
Diet: Coconut coffee should be part of a healthy overall diet, not a replacement for nutritious meals and portion control. While it can be a helpful addition to a routine, it shouldn’t take the place of breakfast.
Weight Loss: Coconut coffee is not a quick weight loss solution. Exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are essential for long-term weight management.
Individual Tolerance: People react differently to coconut coffee. Begin with a small amount (½ teaspoon of coconut oil) and monitor for digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, which can occur in some people new to MCTs. Gradually increase the amount as your body adjusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Coconut Coffee Help Me Lose Weight?
Yes, coconut coffee can be a weight loss ally due to its ability to boost metabolism, increase energy levels, and promote fat burning. However, it’s most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Daily Dose of Coconut Coffee?
Absolutely! Daily coconut coffee can provide consistent energy and support your weight loss goals. Just be mindful of your overall fat intake to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.
Coconut Coffee: When to Drink?
The best time is in the morning or before a workout. It provides an energy boost and can help kickstart your metabolism for the day.
Any Side Effects?
Some people might experience digestive issues initially. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
References
- Swarnamali, H., Ranasinghe, P., Hills, A. P., & Jayawardena, R. (2023). Coconut oil consumption and bodyweight reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Minerva endocrinology, 48(1), 76–87. https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6507.21.03654-X
- Vogel, C. É., , Crovesy, L., , Rosado, E. L., , & Soares-Mota, M., (2020). Effect of coconut oil on weight loss and metabolic parameters in men with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Food & function, 11(7), 6588–6594. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0fo00872a
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-in-coffee
- St-Onge, M., & Bosarge, A. (2008). Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil.. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 87 3, 621-6 . https://doi.org/10.1093/AJCN/87.3.621.
- Kesl, S., Poff, A., Ward, N., Fiorelli, T., Ari, C., Putten, A., Sherwood, J., Arnold, P., & D’Agostino, D. (2016). Effects of exogenous ketone supplementation on blood ketone, glucose, triglyceride, and lipoprotein levels in Sprague–Dawley rats. Nutrition & Metabolism, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-016-0069-y.