Coffee can become much more than a morning wake-up call when combined with the appropriate ingredients. A recent diet trend of combining butter, coconut oil and coffee into what has come to be known as bulletproof coffee offers more than just an upgrade in taste; it may actually improve health outcomes as well.

As an added benefit, a cup of this super drink is free from excess sugar and saturated fat – something many of us are trying to minimize – plus its health-promoting ingredients may improve how we look and feel overall.

Coconut oil adds energy and can aid weight loss when added to morning beverages, says dietician Dr Archana Batra. Coconut oil’s medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can easily be processed by your liver for instant, clean energy that helps combat caffeine fatigue and boost productivity throughout the day. “Coconut oil can enhance its stimulating effects and leave you feeling energised throughout your day,” according to dietician Archana Batra.

Add this healthy fat to your coffee for improved mental clarity and focus, thanks to MCTs that are converted to ketones as brain fuel – as evidenced in a 2015 study published in Practical Neurology. Doing this may also increase cognitive function while making concentration easier.

Coconut water can help improve digestion due to lauric acid found in coconut oil, which contains antimicrobial properties that prevent harmful bacteria from growing within your digestive system. Furthermore, lauric acid acts as a natural lubricant that promotes waste movement through your digestive tract while also aiding your body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

Virgin coconut oil provides optimal results when added to coffee beverages, since it remains unrefined and contains all the beneficial fats present in raw coconuts. Furthermore, virgin coconut oil has less likelihood of being damaged by heat while providing optimal nutritional value.

Add other kitchen ingredients to your cup of joe to add a bit of extra flavour and nutrition without increasing calories or sugar intake. Simple spice blends such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cacao powder can give your drink an exotic, vibrant taste that packs antioxidants into its antioxidant-rich antioxidant profile.

To maximize the health benefits of coffee, choose beans grown at high altitudes. These may contain higher concentrations of phytochemical polyphenols that have been linked with reduced inflammation and lower heart disease risks.

If you’re on-the-go and seeking an easy way to reap its benefits, instant coffee or ready-to-drink keto drinks containing MCTs and unsalted grass-fed butter could be ideal. Just keep in mind that overindulgence could still include calories and saturated fat; to stay within safe levels read labels carefully and limit how often this beverage is consumed.