Bulletproof coffee, also known as butter coffee, is a unique blend of coffee, butter, and coconut oil, or MCT oil, first developed by Dave Asprey — founder of the Bulletproof Executive company. It’s become very popular in recent years for its purported health benefits, especially for those on a ketogenic diet. As the ketogenic diet has exploded in popularity so has bulletproof coffee, but it’s important to understand whether this beverage is fully beneficial and when it is actually beneficial.
What Is Bulletproof Coffee?
As previously mentioned, bulletproof coffee ingredients typically consist of brewed coffee, grass-fed butter, or coconut oil or MCT oil. It’s claimed to provide an energy boost and an increase in mental clarity. This comes from the high amount of fat content and the natural energizing properties of caffeinated coffee.
What Is a Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet, also commonly referred to as “keto”, is a type of eating plan designed to prompt your body to produce more ketones. This helps the body enter a metabolic state known as ketosis — which helps burn more fat. Keto is usually high in fat and low in carbohydrates, consisting of about 4-5% carbs, 20-25% protein and 75-80% fat.
Bulletproof Coffee In Keto Diet
Having bombarded the health food industry over the past few years, keto has become extremely popular — with bulletproof coffee being an equally popular topic among health fanatics. As health gurus recommend bulletproof coffee to those on a ketogenic diet, consider the pros and cons of adding this type of coffee routine to your dietary plan.
Pros
The greatest upside to having bulletproof coffee while on a keto diet is the boost of energy. This style of coffee has been claimed to provide an additional energy source over normal caffeinated coffee. Additionally, the combination of grass-fed butter and MCT oil is a beneficial sources of healthy fats for those on a keto diet.
Cons
On the flip side, there’s an argument that bulletproof coffee, in general, doesn’t have any benefit for those following the keto diet since its ingredients are high in fat. It’s been argued that those who increase their daily fat intake with this type of coffee put themselves in danger of consuming too many calories throughout the day, leading to weight gain instead of weight loss.
When To Drink Bulletproof Coffee On Keto
The best time to include bulletproof coffee in a keto diet is as an occasional morning drink or after workout snack. It’s recommended that only up to two cups be consumed daily as part of a normal keto diet. The most efficient way to do so is to count bulletproof coffee as part of the day’s fat intake and keep total calorie count in mind.
Considering Taste
If you’re not a fan of strong coffee and/or the smell of butter, drink bulletproof coffee at your own risk. It’s undeniable that the taste of this type of coffee can be a bit hard to stomach for those who don’t drink black coffee regularly. If you struggle with it, try bulletproof decaf, opt for a flavored MCT oil, and/or lighten it up by adding a pinch of sweetener and a tiny bit of heavy cream or half-and-half.
Culmulative Benefits And Caloric Intake
When included in the daily regimen of a ketogenic diet, bulletproof coffee can provide an additional energy source and other potential benefits. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your overall calorie intake, as increased fat consumption could potentially cancel out other fitness goals.
Possible Side Effects
Bulletproof coffee has been linked to a few side effects, such as GI distress, oily stools and in some cases, elevated cholesterol levels. This is likely due to coconut or MCT oil, both of which are naturally found in some plant oils as well as dairy products. It’s best to practice moderation when it comes to bulletproof coffee to minimize any type of side effects — this is especially important for those who have a history of digestive issues.
Daily Caloric Balance
Before adding bulletproof coffee into your ketogenic diet, consider the caloric impact of each ingredient. For instance, one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of coconut oil each have about 25–30 calories, and coffee averages about 2–3 calories per cup. In short, each cup of bulletproof coffee with two tablespoons of butter and coconut oil contains approximately 150–200 calories.
The Bottom Line
Drinking bulletproof coffee during your ketogenic diet is best done in moderation. Consume no more than two cups per day and make sure to factor in the beverage’s caloric impact when creating your daily diet plan. Following this advice is likely to ensure that you reap all of bulletproof coffee’s health benefits, without compromising your overall health goals.
