Bulletproof Coffee: Benefits, Origins, And Concerns

What is Bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee also known as keto coffee, or butter coffee is a distinctive blend of coffee and good quality fats that can help an individual sustain throughout the day.

This caffeinated beverage commonly promoted as an alternative to breakfast is high in calories and is prepared with added fats, primarily intended to be low in carbs. The blend includes premium or high-quality coffee, grass-fed ghee (or butter), and Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil. This combination offers sustained energy, improved cognitive function support, metabolism support, and increased satiety.

How Bulletproof Coffee came to be

The history of the coffee dates to 2004 when the Bulletproof founder, Dave Asprey, went on a wellness trek to Tibet to learn meditation techniques. While staying in a guesthouse near Mount Kailash he encountered Yak Butter Tea which is a traditional Tibetan beverage made from a combination of salt and butter. This tea instantly energized him and offered rejuvenation despite freezing temperatures and high altitudes.

Post experiencing this, Dave Asprey, began researching the tea components. On researching, he found out it was the combination of salt and butter that had the energizing effect. Hence, he substituted yak butter for grass-fed butter and tea with coffee. The last addition was Brain Octane Oil, an extract of coconut oil that helped smooth the integration of coffee and butter. Over time, the recipe was refined many times, and finally, a Bulletproof coffee recipe was made.

Health Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee

While Bulletproof Coffee has become increasingly popular, there is a lack of scientific research to back its health implications. However, people who promote bulletproof coffee claim a variety of health benefits including:

Bulletproof coffee provides sustained energy throughout the day because of the combination of caffeine and healthy fats.
It suppresses hunger because it consists of fats in a high amount that promotes feelings of fullness
Improves mental concentration, and focus, and enhances overall cognitive function support
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid protects against oxidative stress

Considerations around Bulletproof Coffee

Lack of scientific evidence: The first and foremost aspect that can be considered is the lack of scientific research. There are little to no scientific studies and evidence present that prove the claims. More research is essential to fully determine the health implications of the said beverage.

High calories and saturated fat content: Depending on the way of preparation, Bulletproof Coffee can have anywhere around 230-500 calories which can increase further if things such as protein powders are added. Ghee, MCT oil, and butter are significantly high in saturated fats, which if consumed in large amounts can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and a spike in LDL cholesterol levels.

Lack of important nutrients: Even the combination of butter, oil, and coffee cannot meet the standards of a healthy balanced breakfast. Essentially breakfast must contain nutrients such as fiber, protein, etc., to keep us full for longer without energy crashes.

Bulletproof Coffee must be skipped in cases of

Cardiovascular disorders: Heart patients and people with issues related to high cholesterol are especially advised to cut back on foods such as butter because of high saturated fats. Therefore, Bulletproof coffee should be avoided as it contains butter.

Diabetes: Bulletproof coffee can make us stay fuller for longer, which can be risky when it comes to diabetic people as diabetics need to maintain a specific amount of carbohydrate consumption throughout the day. Hence it may not be entirely safe for people with diabetes to consume Bulletproof Coffee.

Gastrointestinal disorders: People with GI disorders have experienced issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and other stomach-related problems after having Bulletproof coffee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are no scientific pieces of evidence to support the claims. So, the key is moderation, occasionally a cup probably will not hurt, according to the experts.

Experts suggest Bulletproof Coffee is acceptable in moderation, but it cannot replace breakfast. Hence, skipping morning meals for Bulletproof Coffee is not suggested. Also, prolonged consumption of this coffee is not recommended particularly for individuals with GI disorders, heart conditions, and Diabetes.