Grass-fed butter in Coffee

By Jade Ellis

When you think of coffee and butter, the two do not necessarily go hand in hand! However, there are many benefits adding fats such as coconut oil or grass-fed butter in coffee. Sound weird? We are going to explore all the secrets here for you!

What is the science behind putting grass-fed butter in coffee?

Although you may think this trend is new and current, it has been used and enjoyed for centuries by people from the Himalayas, Ethiopia, Nepal, Vietnam and Singapore. Additionally, yak-butter tea drinks are consumed in Tibet by mountain trekking locals.

We are going to explore the reported benefits of this and the nutrition behind this concept. Do you think you like the idea of adding fats to your morning up of coffee? Hopefully this article will help you decide!

• The incredible benefits of coffee

Coffee on its own has been researched for its stimulant abilities. Caffeine can block an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which leads to a stimulant effect. There were trials which were undergone, which showed that caffeine improved both mood and brain function. It is also very high in antioxidants. That being said, you should probably not go overdosing on caffeine and increase your coffee intake too much! Everything is better in moderation, including coffee.

• What are the benefits of putting Grass-fed butter in coffee?

Grass-fed butter is known for its anti-inflammatory properties for the body. The Grass-fed butter supplies omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that is much healthier than from conventionally raised livestock. These healthy fats can also aid in absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods.

Grass-fed butter in coffee can also be blended with MCT oil (Medium chain Triglycerides) which are comprised from the fat of a coconut or palm kernel oil. They are a unique type of fat. The large proportion of MCT’s in coconut oil, means that they are converted to energy quickly, rather than being stored as fat.

The reported benefits include:

• Boosting brain power
• Promoting weight loss
• Keeping you satiated and fuller for longer
• Sustained energy
• Supressing hunger

We need fats to properly function, and more specifically the essential fatty acids, which can only be found in certain foods, such as oily fish and flaxseeds.

Grass-fed butter in coffee, along with MCT oil (or coconut oil) is known to give you energy and boost cognitive function. It is described as a boost of caffeine but without the crash that a normal cup of coffee would give you. Then mixed with the MCT’s, it will produce ketones. Ketones are made when your body creates energy from fat rather than carbohydrates, which is the essence of the popular ketogenic diet.

This butter contains good fats which regulate cholesterol. It also has a good ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which can help to reduce body fat and are a good source of Vitamin K. It provides healthy fats for your brain and body to generate cell membranes and hormones!

Why should you only use Grass-fed butter?

It is very important to use Grass-fed butter. The reason being that Grass-fed cows produce the best quality milk. Most cows are fed corn or soy, which is used frequently as it is cheap and filling. Cows are actually not supposed to eat this as they cannot digest it properly. You can imagine that corn and soy fed cows produce milk and butter that you wouldn’t really want to consume! Especially if you compare it with the Grass-fed cow’s milk and butter.

Does the quality of the butter really matter? Using a good quality butter is incredibly important! The butter should ideally be from Grass-fed cows. The best butter should have a delicious flavour, aroma and be a lovely golden yellow colour. If you go for a cheap store bought butter, you will definitely not get the full nutritional benefits of the fats. The taste will be nowhere near as good as an actual Grass-fed butter! It may really not even be worth the trouble if you do not use a good quality butter.

The opinions for and against Grass-fed butter in coffee

There are so many opinions when it comes to adding fats to coffee. There are conflicting thoughts, and there has been some backlash against this concept. Below we are going to explore the pro opinions for Grass-fed butter in coffee, and the against. Enjoy!

• Pro Grass-fed butter in coffee

If you’re someone who finds it difficult to eat breakfast in the morning, or are simply too busy to make yourself a breakfast, having a cup of coffee with Grass-fed butter may be really useful for you. It will provide a good dose of healthy fats, and give you the energy you need for the day ahead.

Another reason is that your digestive system isn’t overloaded with food, but you still have obtained calories for energy from the butter to help support you through your morning. Also, as the energy is from fats, you are satiated and won’t reach for snacks mid-morning, unlike like a high-carb meal like porridge, which more often than not will increase hunger and the urge for snacks.

This cup of Grass-fed butter in coffee could also so wonders for your digestion. Eating enough fats is crucial to keep your digestion moving. Plus, the coffee will increase the movement in your gut too!

• Against Grass-fed butter in coffee

There is no seen evidence to support the idea that adding butter to coffee may support you in losing weight, or that it will provide an extra energy boost.

Grass-fed butter is very high in saturated fat and although it may be healthy fats, it is still fats. This means that too much could increase risks associated with a high fat diet. While it is true that while adding fats to your coffee will make you feel fuller for longer, it is also worth remembering that this will make your drink extremely nutrient dense, and possibly add an extra 200 calories per 2 tablespoons of butter.

It is important that we have a mix of all the macronutrients, and it may not be the best idea to have fats be the main nutrient for a meal. Ideally it should be a part of the meal. It could be said that you may be displacing a nutritious meal with something that is low in essential nutrients. Grass-fed butter does have some essential nutrients such as fat soluble vitamins A and K2. However, it does pale in comparison to a nutritious, healthy breakfast.

• So, to add Grass-fed butter to your morning coffee, yay or nay?

We are all different and what works for one may not for another. Grass-fed butter could be ideal for certain people, especially for those who are on the ketogenic diet, which is a high fat and very low carb way of eating. Certain people will do better with a higher fat diet than others. Like everything in life, we learn through trial and error. Only you will be able to know if this works or does not work for you.

What tips to remember when adding grass-fed butter in your coffee!

• Start slowly! Most of us are not used to consuming fats in large amounts so it is best to pace yourself and start with just a teaspoon of butter or oil. It is also better for your digestive system to adjust. So perhaps start with 1 teaspoon, and the increase this over time to a tablespoon or more.
• Make sure you use a blender to mix the coffee, butter and oil. This will make sure you are left with a latte consistency, and it will be a pleasure to consume.