Keto Coffee: Does It Work Or Is It Hype?

Keto coffee is a popular drink among those on a ketogenic diet. It is made by adding butter and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil to coffee. The drink is said to provide a boost of energy and help the body reach ketosis faster, a state in which the body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While some people claim that keto coffee has helped them lose weight and increase their energy levels, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Additionally, the high saturated fat content in keto coffee may be a cause for concern for some individuals.

What is keto coffee?

Keto coffee is a high-calorie, keto-friendly drink that combines coffee with grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, derived from coconut oil. It is also known as bulletproof coffee or butter coffee.

The classic keto coffee recipe calls for one cup of freshly brewed hot black coffee, one to two tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and one to two tablespoons of MCT oil or MCT oil powder. These ingredients are combined in a blender and blended until creamy.

Keto coffee is popular among those following a ketogenic diet as it helps them meet their ideal keto macros while also providing a boost in energy and mental clarity. The caffeine in the coffee provides improved focus and short-term memory, especially if you are sleep-deprived, and better physical performance. Additionally, the saturated fat in the butter and the MCT oil help suppress appetite, making keto coffee a satiating drink.

There are also instant keto coffee products available in the market, such as "It Works! Keto Coffee", which is an instant powdered version of bulletproof coffee. However, these products may contain additional ingredients that may not be necessary or helpful for those following a keto diet. For example, "It Works! Keto Coffee" contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, xanthan gum, Himalayan pink salt, and milk, in addition to MCT oil and grass-fed butter powder.

While keto coffee can be a good way to start your day if you are on a keto diet, it is important to consume it in moderation as it may have potential downsides, such as reduced overall nutrient intake, increased cholesterol, and high levels of saturated fat.

Does keto coffee work?

Keto coffee is a high-fat coffee drink intended as a breakfast replacement. It is popular among people who follow a ketogenic diet. It typically consists of coffee, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. The addition of butter and MCT oil increases the drink's fat content, which is in line with the keto diet's high-fat, low-carb approach.

There are several potential benefits associated with keto coffee. Firstly, it can be a filling and energizing way to start the day, suppressing appetite and providing mental clarity. The caffeine in coffee boosts energy and focus, while MCT oil, which is rapidly absorbed and converted into ketones by the liver, can enhance mental focus and cognitive performance. Additionally, keto coffee is a good way to meet the ideal keto macros and increase fat intake, which is essential for maintaining ketosis.

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Firstly, while keto coffee can be a convenient breakfast replacement, it may not provide all the essential nutrients of a balanced meal. It is particularly high in saturated fat, which may be a concern for those with high cholesterol or heart disease risk factors. The butter in keto coffee has been linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels in some studies. Therefore, it is recommended to consume keto coffee in moderation and consult a healthcare professional to monitor blood markers if consumed regularly.

In conclusion, keto coffee can be a helpful tool for those following a ketogenic diet, providing energy and supporting ketosis. However, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions. As with any dietary change, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating keto coffee into your routine.

What are the benefits of keto coffee?

Keto coffee is a high-calorie drink that combines coffee, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. It is popular among those following a ketogenic diet as it helps them meet their ideal keto macros while boosting energy and mental clarity. Here are some of the benefits of keto coffee:

Boosts Energy and Mental Clarity

Keto coffee contains caffeine, which provides various mental and physical benefits. These include better focus and short-term memory, especially if you are sleep-deprived, as well as improved physical performance. Caffeine may also increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories at rest and lose weight more easily.

Appetite Suppression

Both coffee and MCT oil have appetite-suppressing effects, making keto coffee a satiating way to start your day. Many people drink keto coffee and then eat nothing for several hours, which can be an effective strategy for weight loss.

Brain-Boosting Energy and Weight Loss

MCT oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are special fatty acids derived from coconut oil. MCTs are rapidly absorbed and processed by the liver, converting them into ketones (fat-based energy) faster than other fats. This can help with weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer, and they may also boost your metabolism. MCTs can also help sharpen cognitive performance as your brain works best on fatty acids.

Cardiovascular Health

Coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart attacks. Coffee is also a source of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage and inflammation, which are linked to many chronic diseases.

Convenience and Taste

Instant keto coffee products, such as It Works! Keto Coffee, offer a convenient way to make keto coffee without the need to purchase additional ingredients like grass-fed butter. While some people prefer to make their own keto coffee, instant options can be a quick and tasty alternative.

What are the downsides of keto coffee?

While keto coffee can be a great way to get your caffeine fix while on a keto diet, there are some downsides to consider.

Firstly, keto coffee is very high in saturated fat due to the butter and MCT oil it contains. While the health effects of saturated fats are controversial, many health professionals believe that excessive intake is a risk factor for several diseases and should be avoided. Although some studies have found no significant link between saturated fat and heart disease, official dietary guidelines recommend limiting intake. Therefore, if you are concerned about saturated fat or cholesterol levels, it may be wise to limit or avoid keto coffee.

Secondly, keto coffee may raise your cholesterol levels, specifically LDL or "bad" cholesterol. While low-carb and ketogenic diets are often associated with improved cholesterol levels, butter seems to be particularly effective at raising LDL cholesterol. One study showed that consuming 50 grams of butter daily for four weeks increased LDL cholesterol more than the same amount of coconut oil or olive oil. Therefore, if you have high cholesterol, it may be best to avoid keto coffee or consume it in moderation.

Thirdly, keto coffee is often recommended as a breakfast replacement, but it lacks several essential nutrients. By replacing a nutritious meal with keto coffee, you may be reducing your overall nutrient intake. MCT oil, for example, is a refined and processed fat that does not provide any essential nutrients. Therefore, consuming keto coffee regularly could lead to a nutrient deficiency.

Lastly, while keto coffee can be a convenient way to get your caffeine and fat intake, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience gastrointestinal (GI) distress when consuming large amounts of MCT oil, which is needed for immediate energy production. Additionally, the extra protein in some keto coffee products may not be beneficial for strict keto followers, as consuming too much protein can cause the body to convert it into a source of carbohydrates.

In conclusion, while keto coffee can be a tasty and energizing beverage, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health concerns.

How do you make keto coffee?

Making keto coffee is a simple process, but it does require a few specific ingredients and equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make keto coffee:

Ingredients:

• Coffee beans (high-quality, preferably mold-free and free from mycotoxins)
• Butter (preferably unsalted, grass-fed)
• Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or coconut oil
• Optional add-ins: heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, collagen peptides, sweetener, spices

Equipment:

• Coffee maker or kettle
• Blender or milk frother
• Large container or mug

Instructions:

• Brew 2 cups of coffee using your preferred method. You can use a pour-over method or a coffee maker. If using a pour-over, grind the coffee beans to the size of kosher salt and wet the grounds with a small amount of water before brewing.
• Pour the brewed coffee into a large container, leaving enough space to prevent spilling when blending.
• Cut 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter and add it to the container. You can use salted or unsalted butter, according to your preference.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil or coconut oil.
• If desired, add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Use a blender to mix all the ingredients together for 45-60 seconds, or until a frothy cap forms on top. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother, but it may not emulsify the fats as well.
• Pour the keto coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Note: If you are making keto coffee for the first time, it is recommended to start with a smaller amount of MCT oil and butter, and gradually increase the amount as your body adjusts to the added fats.

Frequently asked questions