We have all heard about the newest coffee trend – bulletproof coffee. If you have not heard of it yet, it’s a coffee beverage made from brewed coffee combined with one or two tablespoons of grass-fed butter and MCT oil (often combined into one product). It’s becoming more and more popular amongst fitness and health enthusiasts, but is it really worth considering drinking something like this every morning? Let’s take a closer look at bulletproof coffee and see if it can really be beneficial to our health or not.
Bulletproof coffee was created by Dave Asprey – a computer security specialist and health/fitness entrepreneur. He claims to have taken Tibetan yak butter tea and adapted it to Western tastes by added extra ingredients to make it more palatable. He has written numerous books on the topic of health and fitness which all mention his creation.
According to Asprey, drinking bulletproof coffee has several health benefits. The fats from the butter and MCT oil act as a natural appetite suppressant, which helps you feel fuller for longer. This means that you’ll be less tempted to snack between meals, and will ultimately eat fewer calories. It’s also supposed to increase your body’s metabolism, leading to more effective fat-burning. The combination of the high-quality fats and the “clean” caffeine is also thought to provide a longer-lasting, more steady mental and physical energy boost than a cup of regular coffee.
However, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the health benefits of bulletproof coffee. While some claim that replacing your regular breakfast with a cup of it is beneficial, others suggest that it’s not balanced enough to provide the right nutrition for extended periods of time. Critics also worry that the high fat content (a single cup contains around 50g of fat) could be harmful for people with poor cholesterol levels, or for those who are trying to lose weight.
When it comes to whether or not you should drink bulletproof coffee, it all depends on your personal health and fitness goals. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your usual breakfast with the added benefit of staying full for longer, then it could be an option to consider. However, if you’re trying to lose weight or have elevated cholesterol levels, you should consult a doctor before making any changes to your regular diet.
High Cholesterol Concerns
Since bulletproof coffee has such a high fat content, it is important to consider the impact it could have on cholesterol levels. It has been reported that regular intake of such high-fat beverages can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, and accelerate any underlying conditions. On the other hand, those who have already high cholesterol and are opting to try a bulletproof coffee should be extra cautious and do their research first. Depending on existing conditions and the level of fat intake, this type of drink may be beneficial, or it may increase the risk of developing certain conditions. It is always important to consult a doctor before making any drastic changes to one’s diet.
At the same time, it is important to take into account the saturated fats in bulletproof coffee. Though we may not always hear about good fats versus bad fats, it is something to think about when it comes to making dietary changes. “Good” saturated fats can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels and are believed to reduce the risk of heart attack while increasing the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Some of these “good” fats can be found in bulletproof coffee, however it is always important to make sure that the MCT oil and grass-fed butter used are of the highest quality.
Long-Term Use
While bulletproof coffee can potentially be beneficial, it is important to take into account the lack of balance that could come with long-term consumption. Since the drink does not contain any protein, complex carbohydrates or essential vitamins and minerals, regular consumption may lead to an imbalance in the body. That being said, consuming bulletproof coffee occasionally should provide enough of a health boost without risking any nutritional deficiencies.
It is likely better that you enjoy bulletproof coffee primarily as an occasional treat than an everyday drink. This will ensure that you get the most out of it without risking any long-term impact on your overall health.
Substitutions
If you are not looking for drastic diet changes, but still want to obtain the health benefits that come with bulletproof coffee, substituting it for a regular breakfast is another potential option. Instead of switching out your morning meal for just a cup of bulletproof coffee, try adding one or two tablespoons of the coffee ingredients to your existing breakfast. This will allow you to benefit from the additional vitamins and minerals found in other healthy breakfast options such as eggs, greens and avocados.
Bulletproof coffee is a highly controversial drink that may have the potential to provide health benefits in certain situations. While opting for a regular breakfast may be a better long-term option, making small changes to enhance the nutritional quality of your morning meal is an alternative worth considering.
Fitness Enthusiasts’ Perspective
While those who are looking to make changes to their regular diet may be cautious when it comes to bulletproof coffee, fitness enthusiasts often swear by it. Certified nutritionist Marc Perry suggests that those who are looking to ‘punch up their workouts’ should reach for a cup of bulletproof coffee. Perry states that combining the fatty acids, high-quality caffeine and ‘clean’ calories of this type of drink can provide athletes with an energy boost and increases their ability to burn fat.
Given the variety of flavors available, bulletproof coffee could be an enjoyable addition to an existing fitness and nutrition routine. Whether it’s used to replace regular meals or just a pre-workout booster, it can provide both emotional and physical stimulation when it comes to pushing yourself harder in the gym.
Pros and Cons of Making The Switch
Though there may be many pros and cons when it comes to drinking bulletproof coffee, it should not be seen as a replacement for professional medical advice. Those who are interested in making a change to their diet should talk to a doctor and nutritionist to determine if this kind of drink is right for them. While bulletproof coffee has the potential to provide beneficial health changes, it is important to consider the long-term effects and potential drawbacks.
When it comes to the pros of bulletproof coffee, the potential for a healthier lifestyle and more efficient workouts are the main selling points. Since bulletproof coffee contains a form of healthy and high-quality fats, skipping traditional breakfast fare in favor of the drink could be beneficial in certain situations. Exercise enthusiasts may also be able to benefit from the energy boost associated with the drink and the increased ability to burn fat.
On the other hand, there are also some potential cons to consider when it comes to making the switch. One of the biggest drawbacks is that a single serving of bulletproof coffee has around 50g of fat, which may be harmfu in large quantities. In addition, the drink, being high in fat and low in protein, complex carbohydrates, and other essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, may lead to an imbalance in the body. That is why it is important to take into consideration existing health conditions, the form of fat found in the drink, and the frequency of consumption when it comes to opting for bulletproof coffee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not bulletproof coffee is right for you depends on your existing lifestyle and health goals. It has potential benefits, as well as potential drawbacks, and should be considered carefully. However, if you do decide to make the switch, making sure that the coffee is of high-quality and the fats are in the form of healthy saturated fats is key. Also, it is important to keep in mind that bulletproof coffee should be consumed in moderation, ideally replacing an existing breakfast rather than regular meals.
