What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is a type of coffee that is created by mixing together brewed coffee, quality grass-fed butter, and Mindful MCT oil, a special type of coconut oil that comes from the coconuts of South India. This mixture is often blended for a few minutes in a blender until it is smooth and creamy, resulting in a type of drink that is much higher in fat than regular coffee. Bulletproof coffee has become popular among high fat, low carb followers, but could it be something that you could drink every day?
Nutritional Breakdown
Bulletproof coffee contains high amounts of saturated fat and calories, which is why it becomes such a contentious issue when it comes to drinking it twice a day. A typical recipe for bulletproof coffee will have 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter, 2 tablespoons of Mindful MCT oil, and a cup of brewed coffee. This comes out to around 400 calories, 48 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein.
It also contains other beneficial nutrients like Vitamin K2, healthy cholesterol, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to help reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. Additionally, it contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium. All of these nutrients can be beneficial for general health and well-being, especially when consumed in moderation.
What the Experts Say
Most experts agree that bulletproof coffee can be a good source of healthy energy and nutrients, but it should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Michael Mosley, the biomedical scientist who created the 5:2 diet, says that bulletproof coffee should be consumed no more than twice a week. He explains that “while bulletproof coffee is filled with healthy fats, it’s also filled with calories and saturated fat, which you should limit for a healthy heart.”
Other experts such as Dietitian and author of The Low Carb Diet, Dr. Ann Dowey, explains that it can be beneficial for people who are looking for an alternative to their regular morning latte. She explains that “it can be an excellent source of beneficial fats, but it’s important to be mindful of the calories and saturated fat content when consuming it on a regular basis.”
What Does the Research Say?
There have been a few studies that have looked at the effects of consuming bulletproof coffee on a regular basis. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that those who consumed it before exercise had improved performance, while those who consumed it after exercise reported less fatigue and improved times during their exercise sessions.
Despite these findings, other studies have found that long-term consumption of bulletproof coffee can lead to adverse effects. A study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that chronic consumption could contribute to liver and heart disease, as well as kidney dysfunction and high cholesterol.
My Evaluation
After looking at the available research and expert opinion, my conclusion is that bulletproof coffee can be consumed on a regular basis, but it should be done in moderation. I believe it is important to be mindful of the calories and saturated fat content, as well as to stick to recommended servings sizes. Additionally, bulletproof coffee should not be consumed as a meal replacement, as it does not provide enough nutrients to meet the body’s dietary needs.
Conclusion
Overall, drinking bulletproof coffee twice a day can offer a range of benefits, but should be done with caution. It is important to be aware of the dangers of over-consumption and to consume responsibly. Furthermore, it is best to complement bulletproof coffee with a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that you are getting the essential nutrients that your body needs.
