Coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But can you enjoy it if you’re on a carnivorous diet? The carnivore diet is a diet that involves only or largely animal products, and omits or limits most plant foods. While it has been gaining popularity as a way to potentially reduce inflammation and improve overall health, it may also leave some wondering if they can still drink their morning cup of joe.
The short answer is yes. Coffee is made from plant products, but a cup of joe doesn’t normally contain enough plant matter to significantly impact your carnivore diet. As long as you’re avoiding added sugars or syrups, dairy, and other nutrient-dense plant foods in your coffee, one or two cups a day won’t drastically alter your diet.
“Coffee is mostly water and will not throw you off the way something like a Kale Smoothie might,” said Anne Sainz, a dietician and nutrition expert. “If you’re talking about plain black coffee, it should generally be OK.”
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee can offer significant health benefits, even to those following a carnivore diet. Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can lower risk for type 2 diabetes, reduce inflammation, and even protect against certain types of cancer. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, though some other plant foods have more.
According to Sainz, “If you are a moderate coffee drinker, optimum health is likely to be achieved as long as you’re maintaining a balanced diet with minimal processed foods and plenty of protein and fat.”
Negative Impact
Although moderate coffee consumption can be beneficial, over-consuming caffeine can have a negative impact on well-being. Heavy caffeine intake can contribute to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and increased heart rate, among other potential issues. Those following a carnivore diet should seek to find a balance and consume only moderate amounts of coffee.
Potential for Nutrients
Coffee also packs other nutrients. There are trace amounts of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc as well as vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and B5. Those are all compounds that may be valuable for those following a carnivore diet, as the carnivore diet can be low in some vitamins and minerals like magnesium.
Risks and Considerations
But even coffee consumption can have its pitfalls. If coffee is your only source of plant nutrition, it may cause imbalances in your diet, as it is missing key nutrients that other plant foods may offer. Additionally, coffee can be habit-forming and addictive, so it’s wise to consume in moderation and avoid overdoing it.
Researchers have also observed that coffee may have different, or even adverse, effects on people with certain types of diseases or conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or pregnancy. It may also interfere with certain medications.
For those on the carnivore diet and considering coffee consumption, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if coffee may benefit or adversely affect your condition.
Common Additions
For many, coffee may not be complete without additions like sweeteners or dairy. But for those on the carnivore diet, these may be off-limits. If you’re wondering what to do if you’re a carnivore looking for a creamy or sweet cup of joe, there are some alternatives that are allowed on the carnivore diet.
For cream, people on the carnivore diet can turn to grass-fed butter or ghee, both of which contain fats that can be beneficial to those trying to maintain a carnivore diet. As for sweetener, some people opt for animal sources like bone marrow or bone broth, which are allowed on the carnivore diet. But for those who aren’t looking for a sweet cup of coffee, plain black coffee is definitely allowed.
Common Questions
One of the most common questions for those on the carnivore diet concerning coffee is whether or not it’s beneficial or potentially damaging. Due to diverse opinions around the pros and cons of coffee, the answer is different for everyone.
Some health experts argue that coffee can provide important antioxidants and other nutrients and can be beneficial in moderate consumption. Others may argue that over consumption can contribute to anxiety and other negative health effects, making coffee consumption less than desirable. As with most dietary questions, it’s always best to speak with a qualified health expert to determine if coffee consumption is right for you.
Other Considerations
Other facts worth considering include the fact that coffee is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose water. For those adhering to the carnivore diet, it’s important to stay hydrated, so moderation is key.
Coffee may also provide a nice boost for those on the carnivore diet, as it can stimulate energy and provide a focus boost. However, excessive coffee consumption may lead to dependence and make it difficult to tap into natural energy reserves.
The Final Verdict
The verdict is clear: Yes, you can drink coffee if you’re on the carnivore diet, but as with most topics related to diet and health, there’s no definitive answer for everyone. It’s best to talk to a qualified health expert or nutritionist and determine what’s best for your individual needs. If you choose to include coffee in your carnivore diet, proceed with caution and enjoy a cup or two – sans any additional plant matter.
