What Can You Put in Your Coffee on a Carnivore Diet?
Today, we're going to tackle a question that's been brewing in the minds of many carnivore dieters: "What can I put in my coffee?" Now, I know what you're thinking. "Coffee? On a carnivore diet? Isn't that, like, from a plant?" Well, you're not wrong. But let's dive into this a bit deeper, shall we?
Coffee on a Carnivore Diet: The Great Debate
Coffee, beloved by many for its rich aroma and wake-me-up properties, is indeed derived from coffee beans, which are plant matter[1]. This seems to go against the very essence of the carnivore diet, which is all about consuming animal products and avoiding plant-based foods[2].
But here's the kicker: some folks argue that coffee, despite its plant origins, can still have a place in a carnivore diet. Why? Because it's not just about where the food comes from, but also about how it affects your body.
The Good, the Bad, and the Caffeinated
Coffee is a complex brew. On one hand, it contains beneficial chemicals and has been linked to various health benefits[3]. On the other hand, some coffees can contain small levels of mould, and coffee also exposes you to substances like acrylamide, ochratoxin, aflatoxins, pesticides, and herbicides[4].
So, what's a carnivore to do? Well, if you're a coffee lover, you might consider making some adjustments to how you drink your coffee. For instance, one recipe suggests using decaf coffee, ghee or grass-fed butter, collagen, and a pinch of sea salt[2:1]. This way, you're adding some animal-based products (ghee/butter and collagen) to your coffee, which aligns with the carnivore diet principles.
The Scholarly Scoop
Now, let's turn to some scholarly insights. A recent study found that moderate black coffee consumption (2-3 cups/day) was inversely associated with high C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation[5]. This suggests that black coffee, in moderation, could potentially have some benefits even for those on a carnivore diet.
However, it's important to note that this study was conducted on a general population, not specifically on people following a carnivore diet. So, while it provides some food (or should I say drink?) for thought, it doesn't give us a definitive answer.
To Brew or Not to Brew?
So, should you include coffee in your carnivore diet? As with many things in nutrition, it depends. If you're a hardcore carnivore who wants to avoid all plant-based foods, you might decide to skip the coffee. But if you're a bit more flexible and you enjoy your cup of joe, you could consider including it in your diet, perhaps with some carnivore-friendly additions like ghee or collagen.
Remember, the carnivore diet is all about finding what works for you. If you feel good drinking coffee and it doesn't seem to cause any adverse effects, then it might be perfectly fine for you. But as always, it's a good idea to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
What's your take on coffee on a carnivore diet? Do you have any carnivore-friendly coffee recipes to share?
And if you're interested in more carnivore diet tips and tricks, check out our previous posts on the benefits of bone broth and how to season your meat like a pro.
Stay carnivorous, my friends!
- Can You Drink Coffee On The Carnivore Diet? (Why and Why not?) ↩︎
- Keto Carnivore Butter Coffee | Grass Fed Girl ↩︎ ↩︎
- Can You Drink Coffee on the Carnivore Diet? • BioHackers Lab ↩︎
- Should You Drink Coffee on the Carnivore Diet? - All Things Carnivore ↩︎
- Choi, S., & Je, Y. (2023). Association between coffee consumption and high C-reactive protein levels in Korean adults. British Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523001241 ↩︎
