Keto Coffee: Choosing The Right Oil For Your Brew

Keto coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, is a popular drink among those on the keto diet. It is made with either butter or ghee, and either MCT oil or coconut oil. The drink is blended to create a frothy texture, similar to a latte.

The MCT oil in keto coffee is derived from coconut oil and contains medium-chain triglycerides, which can offer a quick and accessible source of energy for your body and brain.

While keto coffee is a tasty and satisfying breakfast alternative, it is not a miracle weight-loss solution. It is also not suitable for everyone, especially those with high cholesterol.

What is keto coffee?

Keto coffee is a blend of coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed butter or ghee. It is an upgraded version of coffee that is rich in protein and healthy fats, keeping you energised and full until lunchtime. It is also known as Bulletproof Coffee, a term trademarked by the Bulletproof coffee brand founded by Dave Asprey.

Keto coffee is commonly used in intermittent fasting, as it gives plenty of energy and a feeling of fullness throughout the morning fasting hours. It is also said to increase your focus and curb cravings.

To make keto coffee, brew a cup of coffee and add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter, 1 tablespoon of MCT oil or coconut oil, and (optionally) 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend the ingredients until smooth and frothy.

How to make keto coffee?

How to Make Keto Coffee

Keto coffee is a delicious, frothy, creamy, and healthy drink that can be made in minutes. It is made with coffee, butter or ghee, and either coconut oil or MCT oil.

Ingredients:

• Coffee (brewed, hot)
• Unsalted butter (grass-fed) or ghee
• MCT oil or coconut oil
• Unsweetened almond milk (optional)
• Collagen protein powder (optional)
• Keto coffee syrup (optional)

Method:

There are two ways to make keto coffee:

Blender:

• Brew 8 fl oz of coffee using your favourite method.
• Add all the ingredients to a blender.
• Puree for about 5-15 seconds, until frothy and smooth.
• Pour into a coffee mug and serve immediately.

Milk Frother:

• Brew 8 fl oz of coffee.
• Add all the ingredients to a mug or tall glass.
• Use a milk frother or immersion blender to emulsify until frothy, then transfer to a mug if needed.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you are using a milk frother, leave room for expansion.
• If you are using a blender, you must blend and not stir to emulsify the fats and get a creamy, smooth consistency with a frothy top.
• If you are making iced keto coffee, use ghee instead of butter and prepare as usual, then pour over ice.

The benefits of keto coffee

Keto coffee is a blend of coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed butter or ghee. It is a popular beverage among those following a ketogenic diet, but can also be enjoyed by those who are not on the keto diet. Here are some benefits of keto coffee:

Sustained Energy

Keto coffee provides a sustained energy boost throughout the day without the crashes associated with traditional coffee or energy drinks. The MCT oil in keto coffee is easily metabolized by the body and provides a quick source of energy. It also helps to increase ketone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels.

Increased Focus

The combination of MCT oil and grass-fed butter in keto coffee provides a rich source of fatty acids, which are known for their cognitive-enhancing functions. The omega-3 fatty acids in grass-fed butter, in particular, can help improve focus and cognitive performance.

Appetite Suppression

The healthy fats and MCTs in keto coffee can help curb cravings and suppress appetite. The addition of butter or ghee makes the coffee more filling, keeping you satisfied until lunch or even later. This can be especially useful for those following intermittent fasting or keto diets.

Weight Management

The consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in MCT oil and coconut oil has been linked to greater losses in fat tissue, both in animals and humans. By adding these healthy fats to your coffee, you may experience more effective weight loss.

Heart Health

Contrary to popular belief, saturated fat from grass-fed butter or ghee may actually have a positive effect on heart health. Studies have shown that it can help improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Is keto coffee good for weight loss?

Keto coffee is a combination of coffee, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil or MCT oil. It is a good way to meet your ideal keto macros while also starting your day with a boost in energy and mental clarity.

Keto coffee can be a good addition to a weight loss plan for several reasons. Firstly, it is very low in calories, with one cup (8 fl oz) of black coffee containing only 2 calories. This makes it a great addition to an intermittent fasting plan.

Secondly, keto coffee can improve your exercise performance. Caffeine is used by many athletes as a supplement, and studies have shown that it improves endurance and performance for high-intensity exercise.

Thirdly, keto coffee may increase your resting metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories at rest and lose weight more easily.

Finally, keto coffee acts as a natural appetite suppressant. This is due to the caffeine and chlorogenic acid found in coffee, which has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose and prevent or manage diabetes.

However, it is important to note that keto coffee is very high in saturated fat, and may not be suitable for those with high cholesterol. It is also not a substitute for a nutritious meal, as it is lacking in several nutrients. Therefore, it is best to consume keto coffee in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

What are the downsides of keto coffee?

While keto coffee is a popular breakfast replacement, it does come with some potential downsides. Here are some of the drawbacks of keto coffee:

Reduced Nutrient Intake

Keto coffee is high in fat and calories but lacks several essential nutrients. Replacing a nutritious breakfast with keto coffee will significantly reduce your overall nutrient intake. While the grass-fed butter in keto coffee contains some beneficial nutrients like conjugated linoleic acid, butyrate, and vitamins A and K2, MCT oil is a refined and processed fat with no essential nutrients.

High in Saturated Fat

Keto coffee is very high in saturated fat, which may be harmful to your health. While the effects of saturated fat are controversial, many health professionals believe that high intake is a risk factor for several diseases. Most dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat intake. If you are concerned about saturated fat or have high cholesterol, consider limiting or avoiding keto coffee.

May Raise Cholesterol Levels

Butter and ketogenic diets high in saturated fat may increase cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors in some individuals. Studies have shown that butter is particularly effective at raising LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels compared to other fats. If you have high cholesterol, it is advisable to avoid excessive fat intake, including keto coffee.

May Cause Digestive Issues

The high-fat content of keto coffee may cause digestive issues for some people. MCT oil, in particular, can cause stomach upset, cramping, or diarrhoea, especially when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, some people may find that keto coffee interferes with their body's ability to absorb certain nutrients.

May Not Suit All Diets

While keto coffee is popular among those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, those on a plant-based or vegan diet may find the use of butter or ghee incompatible with their dietary choices. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine if keto coffee aligns with your specific dietary needs and health goals.

Frequently asked questions