Keto Coffee: What's In Your Morning Brew?

Keto coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, is a combination of coffee and fats, such as butter and coconut oil or MCT oil. The name bulletproof comes from entrepreneur David Asprey, who created his own version of the drink after trying yak butter tea in Tibet. Keto coffee follows the principles of the ketogenic diet, which is a strict low-carb, high-fat diet. The purpose of the diet is to induce a state of ketosis in the body, where it breaks down fatty acids into ketone bodies to use as fuel.

Grass-fed butter and its health benefits

Grass-fed butter is a popular ingredient in keto coffee, a beverage that combines coffee with healthy fats and proteins. Grass-fed butter is made from the milk of cows that feed on grass, resulting in a product that is richer in certain nutrients and considered healthier than regular butter. Here are some of the health benefits associated with grass-fed butter:

Increased Nutritional Value

Grass-fed butter has a higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains significantly more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat with potential health benefits such as anti-cancer effects observed in animal and test-tube studies.

Source of Vitamins

Grass-fed butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin K2. Vitamin A is essential for immune function, vision, growth, and development, while vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in bone and heart health by regulating calcium levels in the body.

Rich in Beta Carotene

Grass-fed butter contains higher amounts of beta carotene, a beneficial compound that the body converts into vitamin A. Beta carotene is also a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A higher intake of beta carotene-rich foods has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Grass-fed butter contains a high level of butyric acid, which has been shown to decrease inflammation, particularly in the intestines of people with Crohn's disease. The healthy fats in butter, including omega-3 fatty acids, also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Heart Health

Studies have indicated that butter intake is not associated with coronary heart disease occurrence. Additionally, grass-fed butter is higher in unsaturated fats, which have been linked to heart health benefits. Replacing some saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fats may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

MCT oil and its health benefits

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of dietary fat. MCT oil is a supplement distilled from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. It has been touted as a way to lose weight and boost energy, and it gained popularity with the rise of the keto diet.

Weight Loss and Reduced Calorie Intake:

MCT oil has about 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in foods like olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Some studies suggest that MCT oil can promote the release of hormones that help people feel full, leading to a reduction in overall food intake and potentially aiding weight management.

Quick Energy Source:

Due to their shorter chain length, MCTs are more quickly absorbed and transported throughout the body compared to LCTs. MCT oil can provide an instant source of energy and can be especially beneficial for those on a ketogenic diet, as it can be converted into ketones, providing a fat-based energy source.

Improved Athletic Performance:

Research has shown that MCT oil can enhance athletic performance. A study involving mice on a diet rich in MCTs found improved physical performance, and similar results were seen in a trial involving frail elderly adults.

Management of Neurological Conditions:

MCT oil has been linked to potential benefits in managing certain neurological conditions. The ketogenic diet, which includes MCTs, was initially introduced to manage epilepsy in children, and MCT oil may also help with Alzheimer's disease and autism.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties:

MCTs have antimicrobial and antifungal effects, reducing the growth of harmful yeast and bacteria. For example, MCT oil has been shown to reduce the growth of Candida albicans, a common yeast that causes infections.

While MCT oil offers these potential health benefits, more research is needed to confirm some of its effects, and it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, those with heart or liver conditions should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating MCT oil into their routine.

Coconut oil and its health benefits

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in keto coffee, and it has a range of potential health benefits. It is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that may offer several advantages. Firstly, MCTs are quickly metabolized by the body and provide a rapid energy source. Secondly, they may aid in weight loss by encouraging fat burning and reducing hunger. Additionally, MCTs in coconut oil can be converted into ketones, which may help reduce seizures in individuals with epilepsy and provide an alternative energy source for brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its lauric acid content. Lauric acid may act as a bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal agent, preventing the multiplication and destroying certain disease-causing bacteria. Furthermore, coconut oil can improve oral health when used as a mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, effectively reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.

When used topically, coconut oil can enhance skin and hair health. It can boost skin moisture, improve skin barrier function, and protect against hair damage by increasing hair strand flexibility and strength.

However, it is important to note that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which may negatively impact heart health by raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Therefore, while coconut oil may offer various health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How to make keto coffee

Keto coffee is a high-calorie caffeinated drink that combines coffee, unsalted butter, and a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) such as coconut oil. The ingredients are blended together and served warm, resembling a creamy latte. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make keto coffee:

Ingredients:

• Coffee (freshly ground coffee is recommended)
• Grass-fed butter (unsalted)
• MCT oil (or coconut oil)
• Heavy whipping cream (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

• Brew 2 cups of coffee using your preferred method. If using a pour-over, grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency and allow the coffee to bloom by wetting it with a small amount of water for 30 seconds before brewing.
• Prepare the grass-fed butter by cutting off 2 tablespoons. You can use salted or unsalted butter according to your preference.
• Add the butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using), and 2 tablespoons of MCT oil or coconut oil to the brewed coffee.
• Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream for extra creaminess.
• Using an immersion blender, mix the ingredients together for 45-60 seconds until the keto coffee has a frothy cap on top. Ensure to move the blender up and down to emulsify all the fat into the coffee.
• Pour the keto coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Note: You can also use a regular blender or a milk frother instead of an immersion blender. However, cleaning a regular blender might be more hassle than it's worth. Additionally, a milk frother may not blend the ingredients as thoroughly.

Keto coffee is a popular drink among those following a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. It is important to note that keto coffee is high in both calories and saturated fat, so consuming it in moderation is recommended.

The keto diet and coffee

Keto coffee is a high-calorie, caffeinated drink made with added fat. It is intended to fuel your day by replacing carb-heavy breakfasts. It is a popular choice for those following a low-carb, high-fat keto diet as it contains no carbs and the body converts the MCT oil to ketones.

Keto coffee is typically black coffee with added ingredients to increase the effectiveness of the keto diet. These ingredients include MCT oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and collagen peptides.

To make keto coffee, combine a cup of hot coffee (decaf is fine) with 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil and 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee. Blend the ingredients for 30 seconds to combine the oil and coffee. You can use a standalone blender, an immersion blender, or a milk frother.

Benefits of Keto Coffee

Keto coffee is a great way to increase weight loss on a keto diet. It helps to suppress appetite, reduce cravings, and boost energy. The MCT oil and butter provide healthy fats and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to greater weight loss.

Downsides of Keto Coffee

One downside of keto coffee is that it is high in both calories and saturated fat. A single cup can contribute a significant amount of calories and saturated fat to your daily intake. Additionally, the caffeine in keto coffee may impact the adrenal glands and increase the body's reaction to stress.

Keto coffee is typically consumed first thing in the morning, but some experts suggest waiting until around 10 am. This is because natural cortisol levels peak between 8-9 am, so the effects of caffeine may be more effective later in the morning.

Frequently asked questions