Is drinking olive oil in coffee good for you?

According to a 2022 study, consuming higher amounts of olive oil may lower the risks of premature death. This has fueled the trend of adding it to beverages, but is drinking olive oil in coffee good for you and worth the hype?

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential benefits, drawbacks, and the overall verdict of combining olive oil and coffee. It examines expert opinions and safe preparation methods for this viral beverage.

Key Points

• Not a 'Magic Potion': The health benefits are primarily from the individual ingredients, not their combination.

• Sustained Energy: Healthy fats in olive oil can slow caffeine absorption, potentially preventing jitters and crashes.

• Heart-Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.

• Calorie Dense: A tablespoon of olive oil adds around 120 calories, which can impact weight goals if not accounted for.

• Potential for Digestive Issues: Too much olive oil can cause bloating or diarrhea, especially for sensitive individuals.

• Emulsification is Key: The mixture must be blended with a frother or blender to avoid separation and achieve a creamy texture.

The Rise of the Olive Oil Coffee Trend

The combination of coffee and olive oil, while not entirely new, recently gained mainstream attention with the introduction of Starbucks' Oleato line. This unexpected pairing of two distinct ingredients has led many to question the potential health implications. Originating partly from the high-fat, low-carb diet space (reminiscent of bulletproof coffee), the trend is rooted in adding healthy fats to a morning routine for sustained energy and other purported benefits. The Mediterranean diet, a long-standing model for healthy eating, features extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a central component, and many proponents of the coffee trend point to the oil's established benefits.

The Individual Benefits of Olive Oil and Coffee

To understand the potential effects of the combination, it is helpful to look at the health properties of each ingredient separately.

Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

• Heart Health: EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increase 'good' HDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that consuming more than half a tablespoon daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
• Rich in Antioxidants: EVOO contains a high concentration of antioxidants, including polyphenols like oleocanthal, which help protect the body from damage by free radicals. This antioxidant activity is linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects of compounds like oleocanthal can act similarly to ibuprofen, helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can benefit conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gut Health: The anti-inflammatory properties and healthy fats in olive oil can support a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.

Benefits of Coffee

• Mental Boost: The caffeine in coffee is a well-known stimulant that enhances energy levels, focus, and overall cognitive function.
• Lower Disease Risk: Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's.
• Heart Health: Studies suggest that moderate coffee intake can also be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Antioxidants: Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants, further contributing to overall health and protection against disease.

Potential Synergistic Effects and Considerations

Combining the two ingredients doesn't necessarily multiply their individual benefits, but it does create some unique effects. The healthy fats in olive oil can slow down the absorption of caffeine, providing a more sustained energy release and helping to prevent the jitters and crash sometimes associated with a pure coffee jolt. It also adds a smooth, velvety texture and can temper the bitterness of the coffee. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the downsides.

• Increased Calorie Count: Olive oil is calorie-dense, with one tablespoon containing around 120 calories. For those watching their weight, these added calories can easily accumulate and must be factored into daily intake.
• Digestive Discomfort: While olive oil can aid digestion in some cases, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating, diarrhea, or an upset stomach, particularly for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
• Taste and Texture: The taste is highly subjective. Some find the nutty, peppery notes of quality EVOO complement the coffee, while others may find it unpalatable.
• Lack of Specific Research: While the benefits of olive oil and coffee individually are well-documented, there is limited scientific evidence to support any unique, combined health benefits. Experts suggest the benefits are primarily from incorporating olive oil into a healthy diet, not necessarily from drinking it in coffee.

Comparison: Olive Oil Coffee vs. Bulletproof Coffee

For those familiar with bulletproof coffee, the olive oil version offers a distinct alternative. The choice depends on dietary goals and preference.

Feature	Olive Oil Coffee	Bulletproof Coffee
Primary Fat Source	Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Monounsaturated Fats)	Butter & MCT Oil (Saturated Fats & MCTs)
Heart Health Impact	Neutral to positive; may lower LDL cholesterol.	Controversial; high saturated fat may raise LDL.
Antioxidant Content	Yes (from both EVOO and coffee).	Yes (from coffee).
Sustained Energy	Moderate, steady energy release.	Sustained with potential mental clarity boost.
Satiety	Moderate.	Very high.
Preparation	Blend 1 tbsp EVOO for creamy texture.	Blend butter and MCT oil for emulsification.

How to Make Olive Oil Coffee Safely

If you decide to try this beverage, start small and use high-quality ingredients to minimize the risk of digestive issues and maximize flavor.

1. Choose High-Quality EVOO: Select a quality extra virgin olive oil. The less processed nature of EVOO preserves more nutrients and offers better flavor.
2. Start with a Small Amount: Add about 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a cup of hot coffee to begin. You can increase the amount to a tablespoon if you tolerate it well.
3. Blend Thoroughly: Olive oil and coffee will separate if not properly mixed. Using a hand-held frother or blender is essential to achieve a smooth, emulsified, and creamy texture.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Add-ins like cinnamon, honey, or a plant-based milk can complement the taste and help if you find the olive oil flavor too strong.

The Verdict: Is Olive Oil in Coffee Good For You?

Ultimately, the verdict is a mix of pros and cons. While drinking olive oil in coffee can be a novel way to incorporate healthy fats and antioxidants into your diet, it's not a 'magic potion' for health. The benefits come primarily from the individual ingredients, and incorporating EVOO into your regular cooking or diet offers the same advantages without the added calories or potential digestive issues from drinking it straight. For most healthy individuals, consuming it in moderation is likely safe, but those with certain health conditions or sensitive digestion should be cautious. The key takeaway is to view it as a dietary curiosity rather than a medical necessity. As part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—like the Mediterranean diet—olive oil is beneficial, but consuming it in coffee doesn't offer any unique or superior health properties. If you enjoy the taste and are mindful of the extra calories, it's a perfectly acceptable addition to your routine. For more information on dietary fats, consult resources from reputable health organizations like Healthline.

Conclusion

Drinking olive oil in coffee is a modern health trend that leverages the well-established benefits of its two primary components. While high-quality extra virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and coffee offers its own set of advantages, combining them does not create a uniquely superior health drink. The potential for sustained energy is a plus, but the added calories and risk of digestive upset are worth considering. Most of the health benefits can be achieved simply by incorporating olive oil into your daily meals. For those intrigued by the flavor profile and creamy texture, adding a small, blended amount to your coffee is a safe and interesting experiment, but it should not be considered a miracle health solution. Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian if you have any health concerns or questions about your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does olive oil in coffee provide unique health benefits compared to consuming them separately?

No, experts state there is no scientific evidence that combining olive oil and coffee creates unique or enhanced health benefits. The advantages are derived from the individual properties of each ingredient when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

What does olive oil coffee taste like?

The taste varies depending on the quality and intensity of the olive oil. High-quality EVOO can add a subtle, fruity, or peppery note with a creamy, velvety texture, while lower-quality oil may taste bland or rancid.

Is olive oil coffee good for weight loss?

Olive oil is calorie-dense, and while the fats can promote satiety, excessive consumption adds significant calories and may lead to weight gain. Weight management depends on overall caloric balance, and simply adding oil to coffee is not a weight-loss solution.

Can olive oil coffee cause digestive problems?

Yes, if consumed in large amounts, olive oil can cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly for individuals with a sensitive digestive system. It's best to start with a small amount.

How is olive oil coffee different from bulletproof coffee?

Olive oil coffee primarily uses monounsaturated fats from EVOO, which are heart-healthy. Bulletproof coffee uses butter and MCT oil, which contain saturated fats and MCTs. The flavor and cholesterol impact can differ between the two.

What is the best way to prepare olive oil coffee?

For the best result, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and blend it thoroughly into your hot coffee using a frother or blender. This ensures proper emulsification and a creamy texture.

Is the olive oil coffee trend just a fad?

While the combination is trendy, especially following Starbucks' introduction of Oleato, the underlying components—olive oil and coffee—have long-standing reputations for their health benefits. Whether the combination remains popular long-term or is a fleeting fad remains to be seen.