Drinking coffee is wide range habit all over the world. Butter in the coffee may seem to weird at first for conventional coffee drinkers, but this new coffee formulation is being spread day to day. Due to its bitter taste, we habitually add coffee cream or sugar. Nevertheless sugar and creamer are not good selection for someone on keto-diet.

For thousands of years especially tropical countries have used coconut from the tree Cocos nucifera, as a regular part of their diet. Numerous scientific study have evaluated whether beneficial effect of coconut oil and there is hopeful findings documented in last decade 1-3.

Using fat for energy source

Fatty acid are utilized for many brain functions such as maintaining the synaptic connections of neurons. A group of scientist from Harvard Medical School have asserted that a diet with adequate amounts of saturated fat is essential to maintain HDL high cholesterol levels. Positive correlation (improved memory and cognition) was detected between high HDL levels and longevity in the elderly people 4. So optimum usage of fat may be useful for endurance of brain functions positively. However, there is also controversial thought that using fatty acids for brain fuel may be disadvantage for us 5.

In conclusion, controversial hypothesis have occurred in last century for fatty acid consumption. In our view; if the optimum consumption of butter would be continued with right oil source, advantages can be appeared in our brain functions and physical activities.

Due to it is the main content of coffee, caffeine is the most consumed molecule all over the World

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is the most consumed psychoactive substance that naturally present in many plant-based foods, the main sources in the Western diet are coffee, tea, cocoa and cola products 6,7. Caffeine is thought to impact on cognition and memory by inhibiting the adenosine and benzodiazepine receptor ligands in brain. Caffeine intake also causes changes to a variety of other neurotransmitters, including nor-adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine which are enrolling the synaptic process 8. British Nutrition Foundation journal reviewed caffeine’ effect on cognition, memory, accuracy, vigilance and speed. Although the findings of this study are positive for caffeine, there is controversial evidence for daily intake of caffeine concentration 9.

What are the butter coffee effects?

The general term for butter coffee represents mixing different butters and oils into the coffee. Some of the most common butters or oils to add to coffee are coconut oil, grass-fed butter and pure MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil which have wide range health benefits from enhanced cognitive function to inducing weight loss. Although it is early to be sure that butter coffee’s magical positive effect on human life, accumulating scientific evidence has been asserted in last years 10.

Try butter coffee!

Conceptually, butter coffee contain conventional ingredients of coffee but in addition to butter (coconut oil). By combining butter with coffee, you can get a creation that may improve cognitive functions and also weight loss.

Butter coffee can help you for maintaining keto-diet. In addition, when you have problem with satiety, butter coffee may also keep you satiated for longer time comparing to traditional coffee.

Note: There is an issue that should be take into account: the caloric values of oils and butters must be in the range of dietary goals.

Scientific Citations (References)

1. Kappally, S., Shirwaikar, A. & Shirwaikar, A. Coconut oil–a review of potential applications. Hygeia JD Med 7, 34-41 (2015).
2. Marina, A., Man, Y. C. & Amin, I. Virgin coconut oil: emerging functional food oil. Trends in food science & technology 20, 481-487 (2009).
3. Young-Martin, L. E. & Smith, B. K. Supplementation With Virgin Coconut Oil: Can It Really Reduce Cognitive Decline? Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association 14, P697 (2018).
4. Rahilly-Tierney, C. R., Spiro III, A., Vokonas, P. & Gaziano, J. M. Relation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and survival to age 85 years in men (from the VA normative aging study). The American journal of cardiology 107, 1173-1177 (2011).
5. Schönfeld, P. & Reiser, G. Why does brain metabolism not favor burning of fatty acids to provide energy?-Reflections on disadvantages of the use of free fatty acids as fuel for brain. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism 33, 1493-1499 (2013).
6. Paluska, S. A. Caffeine and exercise. Curr Sports Med Rep 2, 213-219 (2003).
7. Dodd, S. L., Herb, R. A. & Powers, S. K. Caffeine and exercise performance. Sports medicine 15, 14-23 (1993).
8. Fredholm, B. B., Battig, K., Holmen, J., Nehlig, A. & Zvartau, E. E. Actions of caffeine in the brain with special reference to factors that contribute to its widespread use. Pharmacological reviews 51, 83-133 (1999).
9. Ruxton, C. The impact of caffeine on mood, cognitive function, performance and hydration: a review of benefits and risks. Nutrition Bulletin 33, 15-25 (2008).
10. Büsser, S. & Jungbluth, N. The role of flexible packaging in the life cycle of coffee and butter. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 14, 80-91 (2009).
11. Vandenberghe, C. et al. Tricaprylin Alone Increases Plasma Ketone Response More Than Coconut Oil or Other Medium-Chain Triglycerides: An Acute Crossover Study in Healthy Adults. Current Developments in Nutrition 1, doi:10.3945/cdn.116.000257 (2017).