The idea of adding olive oil to coffee might seem unconventional, but this combination is gaining traction as a potentially beneficial beverage. With both coffee and olive oil celebrated for their individual health-promoting properties, combining them could offer a unique synergy.
The Rise of Olive Oil Coffee
The concept of "Bulletproof Coffee," popularized in the USA, involves adding fats to coffee, often butter, to create a drink that serves as an energy booster, cognitive enhancer, and even a weight loss aid by replacing breakfast. The inspiration came from Dave Asprey's experience with "Yak butter tea" in Tibet, which provided sustained energy. While butter-based coffee raises concerns about cholesterol and fat intake, the idea sparked interest in exploring healthier fat alternatives like olive oil.
What Happens When You Add Olive Oil to Coffee?
Adding olive oil to coffee results in a surprisingly palatable drink. When using one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the brew maintains an appealing color and consistency, without an overwhelming oily taste. The olive oil imparts a creamy texture, mellowing the coffee's flavor, even for those who typically add milk.
The Starbucks Oleato and DIY Recipes
The appeal of an espresso topped with golden foam infused with extra virgin olive oil is undeniable, offering the stimulation of coffee, the creamy flavor of frothed milk, and the health benefits of olive oil. For those seeking a more affordable and customizable option, homemade versions of the Starbucks Oleato are readily available.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Coffee
Both olive oil and coffee are rich in compounds that promote overall health.
Read also: Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Keto)
Olive Oil Benefits
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, lauded for its healthy fats and antioxidant properties. As an oleic acid, it’s rich in unsaturated fats and loaded with antioxidants. The polyphenol compounds in olive oil promote cardiovascular and endothelial health, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The FDA has even determined that consuming 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil daily can improve markers of cardiovascular health. Olive oil has many similar health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, heart disease, liver disease, and the risk of stroke.
Coffee Benefits
Coffee is known for its stimulating effects and potential health benefits.
Potential Synergistic Effects
Combining olive oil and coffee may offer a unique blend of benefits, leveraging the healthy fats and antioxidants of olive oil with the stimulating and antioxidant properties of coffee.
Considerations for Consumption
While the combination of olive oil and coffee can be beneficial, moderation is key. A spoonful of olive oil contains approximately 119 calories, so adding it to your coffee will increase your calorie consumption. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and not rely solely on this beverage for health benefits.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
The source and quality of olive oil are crucial. Many commercial olive oils may be diluted with less beneficial oils. Opt for high-quality, unfiltered, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from reputable sources to maximize its health benefits. Life Extension's California Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for example, contains a high concentration of naturally occurring olive polyphenols.
Read also: Olive oil guide for Mediterranean cooking.
Addressing Acidity
For those sensitive to coffee's acidity, adding olive oil may not be the ideal solution. However, using a cold brew process or switching to a less acidic coffee blend may help mitigate this issue.
How to Make Olive Oil Coffee at Home
Creating your own olive oil coffee is simple and allows for customization to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Milk or oat milk (optional, for frothing)
- Spices like nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee as usual.
- In a small cup, combine the olive oil with milk or oat milk (if using). This helps to lighten the olive oil flavor and enrich the texture of the foam.
- Froth the mixture using a handheld frother. If you don't have a frother, you can hand-whisk the ingredients together.
- Pour the frothed olive oil mixture over your coffee.
- Top with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, if desired.
Adjust the amount of olive oil to achieve your preferred taste.
Olive Oil Beyond Coffee
Olive oil is a versatile ingredient with numerous culinary applications. It can be used in pastas, salads, baked goods, and as a healthy fat alternative for high-heat cooking, such as sauteed mushrooms. It also makes an excellent replacement for butter on bread crusts.
Read also: Olive Oil and Weight Management