Bulletproof Coffee: Keto's Secret Weapon?

Bulletproof coffee, also known as keto coffee, is a blend of coffee, butter or ghee, and MCT oil. It is intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast and is popular among those following a ketogenic diet. The drink is designed to provide sustained energy and increased satiety throughout the day. The combination of caffeine and healthy fats is said to provide a longer-lasting energy boost than coffee alone.

What is bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast. It is a blend of high-quality coffee, grass-fed butter or ghee, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. The drink was created and popularised by Dave Asprey, who founded the company Bulletproof Coffee and trademarked the name.

The coffee is made by brewing coffee, then blending it with butter and MCT oil. The high-fat content of the drink is intended to induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. The MCT oil is particularly important as it is a fast-acting source of energy that can also be converted into ketones in the liver.

Bulletproof coffee is popular among those following a ketogenic diet as it contains a large amount of fat to keep drinkers full until their next meal and keep them in ketosis. The drink is also said to provide a longer-lasting energy boost than coffee alone, due to the combination of caffeine and healthy fats. It is also believed to aid weight loss and appetite control, and provide an energy boost.

However, bulletproof coffee has been criticised for being very high in saturated fat and cholesterol and for reducing the overall nutrient intake of those who drink it as a meal replacement.

How to make bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast. It is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter) that offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and cognitive function support.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of hot coffee
• 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil (start with 1 teaspoon if you're new to MCT oil)
• 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee
• Optional: a pinch of pink Himalayan salt and/or 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Method:

• Brew your coffee using your preferred method.
• Add the coffee, MCT oil, butter or ghee, and any optional ingredients to a blender.
• Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture looks like a creamy latte.
• Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you don't have a blender, you can use a milk frother or simply whisk the ingredients together until the butter has melted and the coffee is frothy.
• If you are new to MCT oil, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it over several days.
• Experiment with different variations, such as adding sugar-free sweeteners or creating chocolate, vanilla, or other flavoured versions.
• Ghee is a good alternative to grass-fed butter and is lactose-free.

Is bulletproof coffee healthy?

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie breakfast drink that combines coffee, butter, and MCT oil. It is popular among people following a ketogenic or low-carb, high-fat diet. The original recipe, created by Dave Asprey, involves blending one cup of coffee with one to two tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee and one to two tablespoons of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, such as Brain Octane Oil.

There are several potential benefits of bulletproof coffee. Firstly, it is claimed to promote weight loss, increase satiety, and boost mental clarity. Additionally, grass-fed butter is a good source of vitamin A and contains a fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid, which may promote fat loss. MCT oil is also believed to be more easily absorbed by the body and used as an immediate energy source, potentially improving metabolism and brain function.

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Firstly, bulletproof coffee is very high in saturated fat, which may negatively impact heart health and increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Secondly, it is lacking in several essential nutrients, such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, drinking bulletproof coffee as a meal replacement can significantly reduce your overall nutrient intake. Lastly, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claimed benefits of bulletproof coffee, and more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.

In conclusion, while bulletproof coffee may be suitable for some people, particularly those following a ketogenic diet, it is important to consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating bulletproof coffee into your routine, especially if you have high cholesterol levels.

What are the benefits of bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast. It is made by blending coffee with grass-fed butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Here are some of the benefits of bulletproof coffee:

Energy

The healthy fat from the MCT oil provides immediate energy that is metabolized quickly. The combination of caffeine from coffee and healthy fats is said to provide a longer-lasting energy boost than just coffee alone. The fats from the butter are metabolized more slowly, providing a steadier source of energy.

Weight Loss & Appetite Control

Some studies have shown that MCT oils are associated with increased hormones that reduce appetite and a decrease in fat accumulation. The healthy fats in bulletproof coffee can help keep you full and satiated for longer, making it easier to manage your weight.

Brain Function

MCT oils and butter are metabolized into ketones, which can be used as fuel for the brain by those following a ketogenic diet.

Reduced Inflammation

Grass-fed butter contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Convenience

Bulletproof coffee can be a convenient way to get your morning coffee and breakfast in one go, saving you time and effort in the morning.

What can I add to my bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter). It offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and enhanced cognitive function. Here are some things you can add to your bulletproof coffee:

• Bulletproof Keto Creamer: This powdered creamer is a convenient, blender-free way to make bulletproof coffee. It combines MCT oil and grass-fed butter to provide sustained energy and quality fatty acids.
• L-Theanine: This supplement works synergistically with caffeine to boost its positive effects while mitigating negative ones like impaired sleep quality and anxiety.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has various health benefits. However, adding it to your coffee will diminish the coffee flavour.
• Ginger: Ginger is rich in gingerols and offers tummy-soothing and overall health benefits. Like turmeric, it will reduce the coffee flavour.
• Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract has antioxidant properties and adds an astringent, tannin flavour to your coffee.
• Collagen Protein: Collagen is a great source of the amino acid glycine and provides building blocks for healthy skin, bones, and joints. It also withstands the heat of coffee better than whey protein.
• Vanilla: Vanilla has historically been used as a cognitive enhancer and can be added to your coffee grounds or after brewing.
• Cayenne: Cayenne is known for its health benefits and works synergistically with MCTs for thermogenesis. Add it incrementally to create a spicy kick.
• Blueberry Powder: Blueberry powder is rich in polyphenols and has a high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It also raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting brain function.
• Eggs and/or Egg Yolks: Eggs, especially egg yolks, are a good source of quality fats and micronutrients like omega-3s and vitamin K2.
• Bilberry Powder: Bilberry powder is made from bilberries and supports overall eye health. It is expensive, but you can increase its bioavailability by combining it with fat in your bulletproof coffee.
• Cacao Butter: Cacao butter provides a subtle chocolate finish to your coffee and is a great source of quality saturated fats.
• High-Quality Chocolate Powder: Make your bulletproof coffee into a polyphenol-rich mocha with unsweetened, high-quality chocolate powder.
• Vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 is heat stable and doesn't alter the flavour of your coffee. It is a powerful addition with various health benefits.
• Maca: Maca, or Peruvian Ginseng, is an endocrine adaptogen that helps balance hormones and is high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, especially the Ceylon variety.

Frequently asked questions