Coffee is a staple beverage for many people. While it’s loved enough all by itself, you might be wondering if there’s a way to maximize the health benefits and flavor of your daily cup of joe.
Surprisingly, olive oil might be exactly what your morning routine is missing.
Olive oil in coffee is a combination worth trying. Adding this to your coffee in the morning is a great way to increase your intake of healthy fats and prolong the effects of caffeine without drastically adjusting your morning routine.
The rest of this article will expand upon why olive oil in coffee is a worthwhile combination.
I’ll discuss everything you need to know about this misunderstood mix, so I can help you decide whether or not this beverage upgrade is right for you.
Why should you put olive oil in coffee?
Adding fats to coffee is a practice that’s increasing in popularity, thanks to paleo and keto diets. While it’s a growing trend, you might be wondering why you should consider putting olive oil in coffee in the first place.
You should put olive oil in coffee because the fats in the oil have beneficial health effects. These healthy fats slow the absorption of caffeine into your system, which prolongs its effects and makes it easier for your body to take in.
Here are some of the benefits of putting olive oil in coffee:
- You’ll have sustained and long-lasting energy. Consumable fats slow down the digestion of other foods and beverages they’re consumed with. Therefore, if you add olive oil to your coffee, the oil will slow the absorption of caffeine in your body, prolonging its effects. This is an especially beneficial perk if you drink coffee before you work out.
- Fats neutralize the acidity in coffee. Coffee can be acidic, which isn’t great for your gut health or digestive system. Adding a fat can neutralize this acidity and reduce stomach inflammation, which can minimize the symptoms that accompany an unhealthy gut. Some of these symptoms include acne, dry skin, headaches, acid reflux, heartburn, and rashes.
- Adding fat reduces overall coffee intake. Many Americans overconsume coffee, which can have damaging impacts on your health, energy, hormones, and budget. Because adding a healthy fat prolongs the effects of caffeine, you won’t find yourself reaching for that second, third, or fourth cup as quickly – if you want seconds at all.
- It can substitute for your breakfast. This combination is a great substitute for standard American breakfasts, which are typically very carb-heavy. Instead of filling up on buttered toast and cereal, you can fuel yourself with nutritional fats.
Health benefits of olive oil
While the combination of both coffee and olive oil has its benefits, olive oil by itself is also good for you. There are numerous benefits that come with consuming extra virgin olive oil.
Here are some of these health advantages:
- Olive oil can reduce the risk of heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat, which – according to the American Heart Association – is beneficial for vasodilation and can reduce the chances of cardiovascular problems.
- Your digestive health will thank you. As well as neutralizing the acidity in your coffee, olive oil also lubricates the intestinal tract and reduces the production of gastric acid. This will help your digestive system work better and minimize heartburn and acid reflux.
- Olive oil can reduce glycemic response. This benefit is especially great for those with Type 1 diabetes. (Source)
- Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. It has a compound called oleocanthal, which is anti-inflammatory. This is a great benefit, as many chronic illnesses involve cellular inflammation.
- Olive oil may help fight cancer. Oleocanthal can also counteract cancer cells. In addition to this, extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin E, which also has cancer-fighting properties.
- Your skin and hair will be healthier. Vitamin E and vitamin K are necessary for maintaining healthy skin and hair, and both of these vitamins are found in olive oil.
- Olive oil can help your bone health. It can help reduce the risk of hip fracture and can improve your bone density.
All of these health benefits make it hard to resist putting olive oil in your coffee. The next sections will cover how you can go about implementing this habit, so you can make this combination a part of your daily routine.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
You should use extra virgin olive oil because it’s healthier and has a better taste. This superior flavor can help boost the overall taste of your coffee, which might make it easier for the habit to stick.
Extra virgin olive oil undergoes the least amount of processing during its production, which means that this product is a lot more natural than other variants.
It also has more polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) than regular olive oil.
I recommend using this Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil (available on Amazon.com).
This oil has a mild flavor that I can barely notice in my coffee. Additionally, the substance is expertly crafted, so it retains all the health perks of quality olive oil.
How to make coffee with olive oil
Adding olive oil to your coffee is simple and easy to integrate into your morning routine.
Here’s how you can make coffee with olive oil:
- Start by brewing 8 ounces (226.80 g) of black coffee as you normally would, using your favorite coffee beans. My favorite beans are the Peak Performance Coffee Medium Roast Whole Bean (available on Amazon.com) because they’re fair trade, organic, and grown at a high altitude, so the beans are extra dense. Additionally, it’s a single-origin coffee brand, so there’s a lower chance of contamination.
- Once your coffee is made, add 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml) of olive oil.
- If you’d like, you can add 1 tablespoon (15 g) of grass-fed butter or ghee to make your coffee creamier and more delicious.
- Blend your coffee mixture in a blender for thirty seconds so you get a velvety texture. If you don’t want the hassle of blending, you can vigorously shake the mixture in a sealed jar.
That’s it! After you follow these steps, all you have to do is enjoy your delicious morning cup of coffee.
What does olive oil in coffee taste like?
Olive oil in coffee tastes like regular coffee with a nutty flavor and delicate sweetness. However, if you use a mild-tasting extra virgin olive oil, you might not even notice the taste at all.
Depending on the brand, extra virgin olive oil can be slightly bitter, which can be overwhelming if you add that to an already bitter beverage like coffee.
If this is the case, try adding a little bit of cream, sugar, or other sweeteners.
A great way to sweeten your olive oil and coffee combo is to add a bit of honey to the mix.
I like Meluka Raw Honey (available on Amazon.com) because it’s an all-natural sweetener, and it retains the nutrients and enzymes found in honey. Honey also has soothing properties that can help with sore throats and coughs.
Disadvantages of putting olive oil in coffee
While there are many great things about drinking coffee with olive oil, there are some possible disadvantages to consider.
- Both olive oil and coffee are laxatives. With this combination, you might find yourself in some “crappy” situations. If you stick to 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml) of oil and 8 ounces (226.80 g) of coffee, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you go overboard, you may feel more of a laxative’s side effects than the positive effects of oil.
- Olive oil is high in calories. If you’re tracking your caloric intake or trying to minimize it, you should note that olive oil contains approximately 125 calories per tablespoon. Olive oil is a healthy fat, so the health benefits tend to outweigh the impact of those extra calories, but it’s something to be aware of.
- If you’re picky, you may not like the taste. If you use the proper ratio, you may not even be able to taste the olive oil in your coffee. However, if you’re a particularly picky coffee drinker, you may not like the taste of the added oil in your morning brew.
- Olive pollen is a potential allergen. This is rare, but olive oil can cause contact dermatitis in those individuals who are allergic to olives.
With these things in mind, you can make your own decision about whether or not adding olive oil to your coffee is the right choice for you.
More coffee add-ins to try
Ready to upgrade your daily coffee?
Here are some coffee add-ins to try today:
- Baking Soda in Coffee
- Brown Sugar in Coffee
- Buttermilk in Coffee
- Cocoa Powder in Coffee
- Cinnamon in Coffee
- Cold Foam in Coffee
- Condensed Milk in Coffee
- Dark Chocolate in Coffee
- Heavy Cream in Coffee
- Honey in Coffee
- Powdered Sugar in Coffee
- Vanilla Extract in Coffee
And for even more options, check out the coffee add-ins hub here!
Conclusion
If you’re already having a cup of coffee every morning, why not add some olive oil to your daily morning beverage?
Doing so won’t only add a unique flavor to your coffee, but it can also allow you to enjoy the broad range of health benefits that olive oil can bring to the table.
Have you tried adding olive oil to coffee before?
Let me know by leaving a comment down below. If you have any other questions regarding coffee, you can also contact me directly by pressing the “Contact Me” button at the top!
