Boost Your Coffee, Boost Your Brain

With mid February just around the corner, many of us may begin to lose momentum when following through with New Year resolutions. Keep yourself motivated in 2020 by using our simple trick (spoiler alert – it involves coffee).

 

You may have heard of Bulletproof Coffee, Keto Coffee, or Butter Coffee – hot trends that have been sweeping the internet in recent years. As avid proponents of this wholesome and delicious beverage, we want to share with you our take on what we like to call “Turbo Coffee.”

 

So what’s the trick? Turbo Coffee is made by blending one tablespoon of coconut oil and one tablespoon of ghee into your freshly-brewed cup of coffee. For those of you hearing this recipe for the first time, it may sound a bit strange. However, we can assure you that it not only tastes like a deliciously creamy latte, but also has been known to offer incredible health benefits – benefits that can keep you on track in accomplishing your physical and mental goals this year.

 

Let’s start at the beginning. We are going to take you back to the snow-capped mountains of Tibet, circa 2004. Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof Nutrition and widely known “bio-hacker,” was hiking in -10 degrees’ Fahrenheit weather. He found shelter at a guest home, and was offered a mug of “yak butter tea” to keep warm. This tea did more than warm him up. It rejuvenated his mind and body, and gave him the strength to keep trekking.

 

After heading back to the States, Dave got to work on introducing a version of this eastern recipe to our western world. He wanted to research and share why this cup of tea had such a profound effect on him. Fast-forward to the drink that has had so many of us buzzing (literally) – his brand of Bulletproof Coffee was born.

 

Since Dave’s discovery, this simple coffee creation has taken on many different names, and used to attain a variety of benefits. So let’s get to it. Why should you boost your coffee with coconut oil and ghee?

 

Coconut oil contains fatty acids called MCTs, or Medium Chain Triglycerides. The body converts MCTs into ketone bodies – byproducts produced when the body burns fat for energy. According to Ali Miller RD and functional medicine practitioner, MCT’s are processed by the liver, meaning that they are more easily converted to energy. Recent studies, including research done from alzheimers.net, suggest that ketones play an important role in brain health, and can improve cognitive function. When coconut oil mixes with coffee, the fatty acids help slow the release of caffeine in the body. This slower release can keep you energized for longer, and prevent those notorious caffeine crashes.

 

Ghee is a highly clarified form of butter. Made from separating butter into liquid fats and milk solids, and then removing the milk solids, ghee contains less lactose than traditional butter. Adding ghee to your coffee provides a major health benefit to your digestive tract. For some of us, natural acidity levels in coffee can disrupt the digestive system, making it difficult to consume on an empty stomach. Ghee helps to cut down on the acidity, and contains Omega-3 fatty acids which aid in gut health. According to Ayurveda, the world’s oldest health system originating in ancient India, ghee helps to lubricate digestive tissue. Ghee has been used in Ayurvedic digestive treatments for hundreds of years to promote gut health.

 

 

Now, with a bit of background in place, we would love to share exactly how we boost our morning coffee to keep us sustained throughout the day!

 

We like to start with a naturally low-acidic roast, for optimal digestive health benefits. Monsoon Malabar is grown in the southern region of Mysore Coog, India, at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. Here, coffee cherries are carefully selected and sun-dried. The dried beans are then cured, and processed in a unique way that replicate the moisture-laden winds of monsoon season. This process, along with the lower growing elevation yields a coffee with very low acidity.

 

Coconut oil and ghee can be found at most traditional grocery stores. Make sure to look for high-quality and organic choices for optimal results!

 

Ingredients:

 

12 oz freshly brewed Uncommon Grounds’ Monsoon Malabar coffee (or other favorite roast)

1 tbs coconut oil

1 tbs ghee butter

1 tbs pure maple syrup * optional *

1 pinch cinnamon * optional *

 

Instructions:

 

Combine all ingredients in blender, and blend for 15-20 seconds. Pour the frothy goodness into your favorite mug and enjoy!

 

Make 2020 your year to follow through with resolutions and accomplish goals. Turbo Coffee could be that simple (not to mention healthy) addition to your morning routine, for long-lasting energy throughout the day!

Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Bagels