As reported recently, Starbucks has been considering adding olive oil to its coffee as a healthier alternative to traditional creamers and sweeteners. Interestingly, this is not a new concept. Selo has been recommending this trick for years as a way to make coffee smoother, healthier and more satisfying. In fact, Selo has been a leading voice in promoting the health benefits of using extra virgin olive oil in coffee, and it's exciting to see a major coffee chain considering this idea.
As we can all agree, coffee is an essential morning beverage for many of us. It can be a struggle, however, when it comes to the jitters, acid reflux, or an upset stomach that can come with drinking it. A surprising solution to these problems is adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your cup of Joe. But not just any olive oil, it’s important to use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Refined olive oil is a lower grade oil, often made using heat and chemicals to extract oil from the fruit. This process strips the oil of its natural nutrients, including many of the health benefits that come with using EVOO. EVOO, on the other hand, is made using only mechanical methods and cold-pressed olives, which preserves the nutritional value of the oil. The result is an oil rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that offer numerous health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of using olive oil in coffee:
- Helps reduce caffeine jitter
- Regulates cortisol levels
- Neutralizes stomach acid
- Reduces the risk of acid reflux or heartburn
- Contains monounsaturated fatty acids that help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body
- High in antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals
- Coffee enhances bioavailability of olive oil's antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes
- Provides a source of healthy fats that can help keep you fuller for longer
- May help improve mental clarity and focus due to the slow-release energy provided by the healthy fats.
From Cortisol to Calories: The Surprising Health Benefits of Adding Olive Oil to Your Morning Coffee
The benefits of adding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to your morning coffee go beyond just a smoother taste. In fact, EVOO is known to contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are considered healthy fats that can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels, otherwise known as the "bad" cholesterol. By including MUFAs in your diet, you're working to keep your heart and arteries healthy by promoting better blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In addition to its heart-healthy benefits, EVOO is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the body. These compounds help the body to fight off damage from free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes. By including EVOO in your morning coffee routine, you're giving your body a boost of antioxidants that can help to protect your cells and tissues from damage.
Olive Oil Coffee Reduces Cortisol, Neutralizes Stomach Acid and Reduces the Risk of Heartburn or Acid Reflux
When it comes to coffee, the caffeine can increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone that triggers the body's “fight or flight” response. The MUFAs in EVOO help regulate cortisol, which can lead to a reduction in the jitters that coffee can cause. EVOO can also help reduce inflammation and neutralize stomach acid, reducing the risk of heartburn or acid reflux.
Olive Oil Coffee is High in Antioxidants
Another benefit of EVOO is its high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Coffee also contains a high concentration of antioxidants, making it an excellent source of these protective compounds.
Olive Oil Coffee Maximizes Monounsaturated Fat Intake
Combining EVOO and coffee is a powerful combination of antioxidants that can offer significant health benefits. A recent study showed that consuming coffee increases the bioavailability and metabolism of dietary lipids, leading to a higher concentration of these protective compounds in the body. This means that by adding EVOO to your coffee, you're getting an even greater antioxidant boost than coffee alone.
Olive Oil Coffee is Anti-Inflammatory
In addition to its antioxidant properties, EVOO also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This is important because many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, are caused by chronic inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, EVOO can help lower the risk of these diseases.
Moderation is Key: Using EVOO in Your Coffee for Optimal Health Benefits
The health benefits of EVOO and coffee are significant, but it’s important to remember to use EVOO in moderation. Although it's healthy, EVOO is still high in calories and fat, so using it in excess can lead to weight gain. A tablespoon of EVOO in your coffee is enough to provide the health benefits discussed here, so there's no need to go overboard.
In conclusion, adding a tablespoon of EVOO to your morning coffee can offer significant health benefits. EVOO is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Remember to choose EVOO over refined olive oil, and use it in moderation to get the most benefit. By combining EVOO and coffee, you're getting a powerful combination of antioxidants that can help you start your day on a healthier note.
Selo Olive Oil Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Brew a cup of coffee using your preferred method.
- Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to your coffee.
- If using unsalted butter, add 1 tablespoon to your coffee as well.
- Mix well using an emulsion mixer or blender until the oil and butter are fully incorporated.
- If using any of the optional flavors, add them to the coffee and mix well.
The Benefits of Using an Emulsion Mixer for a Creamier and Healthier Olive Oil Coffee
Using an emulsion mixer or blender is recommended when adding olive oil to coffee because it helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. Olive oil can sometimes be a bit oily and separate from the coffee, but using an emulsion mixer ensures that the oil is fully blended with the coffee, creating a consistent texture.
In addition to the smooth texture, using an emulsion mixer can also provide an added health benefit. When olive oil is mixed with coffee, it can create a stable emulsion that enhances the bioavailability of coffee's antioxidants. The emulsion helps the body absorb more of the antioxidants present in the coffee, which can provide an even greater antioxidant boost.
The Ultimate Creamy and Flavorful Olive Oil Coffee Recipe: Tips for a Delicious and Healthy Brew
Adding unsalted butter to your coffee provides additional healthy fats, which can help you feel fuller for longer and provide a slow-release source of energy. When combined with the olive oil, the butter can also help create a smooth and creamy texture that's similar to a latte.
If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your coffee, consider adding a dash of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, or a touch of vanilla extract. These flavors can complement the natural earthy flavor of the olive oil and create a delicious and satisfying brew.
In conclusion, adding extra virgin olive oil (and optional unsalted butter and flavors) to your coffee can provide numerous health benefits while also creating a smooth, creamy, and satisfying texture. Give it a try and enjoy a healthier and tastier cup of coffee!