One of the most popular ways that people today choose to consume their MCT oil is by adding it to their morning coffee. I don’t know where this fad came from exactly, but it was certainly popularized by Dave Asprey of Bulletproof Coffee; his “proprietary” formulation of coffee, butter, and MCT oil.
Those of you who have read our review of Brain Octane MCT oil will know that we aren’t impressed with Asprey’s diet or his supplements. However, adding MCT oil to coffee remain incredibly popular, so it is worth examining the benefits of this dietary “hack” in more detail.
Is it OK to put MCT Oil in coffee?
What are the benefits of putting MCT oil in coffee in the first place?
Some people claim that adding the best MCT oil or powder to coffee gives you improved satiety, increased energy levels, enhanced cognitive performance, accelerated weight loss, a reduced risk of heart disease, and better blood sugar control.
There is some evidence to back up some of these claims, and no evidence whatsoever to back up others.
One of the main benefits of putting MCT oil in coffee is undoubtedly the increase in mental energy and cognitive performance you experience. This is especially true if you are putting MCT oil into caffeinated coffee and drinking it first thing in the morning. People who are fasting find that MCT oil and coffee gives them a potent energy and focus boost first thing in the morning.
People following an intermittent fasting protocol find that MCT oil and coffee is something of a lifesaver. Not only does it give you a way of getting extra, fast-acting energy in the morning without spiking insulin (and thus ending ketosis), but it also gives you sustained physical energy and prevents the food cravings that come with fatigue.
MCT Oil in coffee side effects
Is it safe to put MCT oil in coffee? Are there any side effects?
A lot of people today swear by putting MCT oil in coffee. Influencers in the health and fitness space often say that putting MCT oil in their morning coffee is not only safe, but hugely beneficial to your health and performance.
However, putting MCT oil into your morning cup of coffee is not completely safe and side effect free.
Putting MCT oil in your coffee can cause diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, nausea, stomach discomfort, intestinal gas, essential fatty acid deficiency, and other side effects. Taking MCT oil coffee with food might reduce some side effects.
Does MCT Oil in coffee help you lose weight?
Adding MCT oil to coffee can help you lose weight. You may experience improved satiety, enhanced cognition, and increased energy levels from drinking MCT oil coffee. This can really help you lose weight faster. There is also some evidence that MCT oil may burn fat directly.
But consuming MCT oil in coffee alone will not help you lose weight any faster. MCT oil coffee simply makes dieting and trainig on low calories easier. You still need to restrict calories or increase caloric expenditure if you want to lose weight.
How much MCT oil should I put in coffee?
It is recommended to mix 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) of MCT oil into a cup of standard cup of coffee. The exact amount of coffee you are adding MCT oil to doesn’t matter; what is important is that you consume enough MCT oil in a reasonable amount of time so it can have a significant effect on energy and cognitive performance.
We strongly advise against putting more than 2 tablespoons of MCT oil into your coffee until you have been taking MCT oil coffee for a while and you know you do not experience side effects. There is little benefit in taking more than 3 tablespoons of MCT oil in any given day; only when fasting and doing intensive physical training should you be using more than 2 tablespoons.
For people new to MCT oil coffee, start with 1 tablespoon of MCT oil mixed thoroughly into a normal cup of coffee and gradually increase the dose from there.
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