Bulletproof Coffee: What Is It, How It Works, & Side Effects

Bulletproof coffee is the newest weight loss drink with lots of butter! Yes, you heard that right. It was made popular by Dave Asprey, who lost a lot of weight by drinking this coffee while on the Keto dietⁱ  A low-carbohydrate dietary plan consisting of an increased fat intake and adequate protein supply. . Also, he felt more energetic with increased focus and better memory after having the bulletproof coffee. Mr.Asprey says, “It’s a gateway drug for taking control of your own biology.” Is that true?

Of late, serious concerns regarding the long-term effects of bulletproof coffee consumption have surfaced. Do you really need to drink bulletproof coffee to lose weight? Before saying yes or no, read this post to know what is bulletproof coffee and how it helps in weight loss to make an informed decision. Scroll down!

Highlights Of The Article

• What Is Bulletproof Coffee?
• Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
• How Bulletproof Coffee Works
• How Bulletproof Coffee Aids Weight Loss
• 5 Reasons Bulletproof Coffee May Be Bad For You
• Who Should Avoid Bulletproof Coffee?

What Is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a coffee made by mixing coffee, butter, and MCT oil. It is the new and upgraded version of butter coffee or butter (yak butter) tea that is a popular energy drink in Tibet.

In fact, the practice of taking coffee with butter or any other source of fat was around even before coffee was consumed as a beverage. Somewhere around 575-850 CE, the nomadic mountain warriors of the Galla tribe, Ethiopia, combined crushed coffee beans with animal fat and consumed them as a snack and a source of energy during warfare and long treks. So, it is not really a new concept.

Small groups of people all around the world already knew about it, but now, the entire world is aware of the existence of this fatty drink that supposedly has many health benefits. Before we get into the benefits or side effects of bulletproof coffee, let me tell you how to prepare bulletproof coffee at home in 5 minutes.

Quick Tip

You can use grass-fed ghee as a good substitute for butter.

Bulletproof Coffee Recipe

Here’s how you can make bulletproof coffee:

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil or coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons grass-fed, unsalted butter

How To Prepare

1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend well until it becomes slightly frothy.
3. Serve immediately.

Quick Tip

Start by adding 1 teaspoon of MCT oil to your coffee if you are not used to doing so, and work your way up to 1 tablespoon as your tolerance allows.

Mikie, a YouTuber, discusses his daily consumption of Bulletproof coffee, emphasizing its positive impact on his well-being. He takes this beverage after a workout and says, “I tend to add a couple of these things [like] collagen protein for the building blocks; it’s gonna help me after my workout, [and] it kind of gives me this boost through this second part of my day (i).” He then mentions adding some more healthy ingredients to make his coffee taste good and healthier.

But what makes bulletproof coffee such a magical addition to your diet? How does it work? Let’s find out!

How Bulletproof Coffee Works

Bulletproof coffee works by pushing the body into the fat burning mode. It does so by prompting the body to convert stored fat and dietary fat into ketonesⁱ  A type of acid processed in the liver from fats, which is released into the bloodstream to act as an energy source. . This process is called ketosis.

It occurs when you have restricted consuming carbs long enough, and your carb or glucose reserves are empty (1). As a result, your body uses ketones as a source of fuel instead of glucose (sugar), and you start burning fat, and your hunger is reduced (2).

Animal studies found that ketosis might increase longevity (3). Ketosis may also improve memory and cognitive functions and abilities (4), (5). But is it the butter or the MCT oil that’s helping in burning the fat? Let’s find out which magic ingredient is helping millions of dieters shed the pounds.

How Bulletproof Coffee Aids Weight Loss

Bulletproof coffee aids weight loss in many different ways. And the secret lies in the ingredients used to make the coffee. Let me break down how each ingredient works to aid weight loss:

• Coffee – Coffee is a storehouse of caffeine. And caffeine may aid weight loss by boosting energy and suppressing hunger (6). Scientists have found that caffeine may increase plasma ketones, which causes ketosis (7).

• MCT Oil – MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil benefits health in different ways. MCTs are absorbed quicker and converted into energy metabolism more efficiently as compared to long-chain triglycerides. This results in less fat gain, increased satiety, and increased production of ketones (8).Researchers also found evidence that ketones from MCT may help enhance memory in patients with Alzheimer’s diseaseⁱ  A neurological condition where the brain cells shrink and eventually die, leading to memory loss and other mental issues. (9).There are a few types of MCTs – C6, C8, C10, and C12 – named in terms of the chain length. The shorter the chain, the quicker it gets converted to ketones. For optimum ketosis without upsetting your stomach, consume MCTs with a mix of C8 and C10.
  

• Grass-Fed Butter – Grass-fed butter is a great source of vitamins A, K2, and E. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contains the antioxidant glutathione and superoxide dismutase (10), (11).But even as we go on about how ketosis and bulletproof coffee are good for weight loss and treating diseases like epilepsyⁱ  Abnormal neural activity in the brain that often leads to seizures, sensory disturbances, or convulsions. , cancer, and Alzheimer’s, there is another side to the story. Scroll down to know why bulletproof coffee might be a bad idea.

5 Reasons Bulletproof Coffee May Be Bad For You

The ingredients in bulletproof coffee, like butter and medium-chain triglycerides, were thought to be our enemies for a long time – which is not completely true. We need a certain amount of saturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides for our bodies to function properly. Here are the reasons bulletproof coffee might be something that you may not want to have:

1. Bulletproof coffee is not nutritionally sound.

Bulletproof coffee switches your body to the fat burning mode, but that does not necessarily mean what you are consuming is nutrient-dense. Many dieters drink bulletproof coffee as a meal replacement, and this may prevent essential nutrient absorption into their systems. Bulletproof coffee does not contain enough vitamins, minerals, and other macro and micronutrients that help the body function normally.

2. It does not suit people on Paleo or Mediterranean diet.

Bulletproof coffee only works for people on high-fat, low-carb diets, like the ketogenic diet. People on other diets like Mediterranean and Paleo are used to consuming more carbs (good carbs from veggies, fruits, and whole grains). A high-fat, high-carb diet never works for weight loss.

3. Excessive amounts of fat may be detrimental to your health.

Consuming the required amount of butter and saturated fat is required for the normal functioning of the body. Consuming too much of saturated fats from processed foods like oils and butter is similar to consuming fruit sugar from fruits and refined sugar. The sources of nutrients matter, and the more whole foods you consume, the better.

4. Increases bad cholesterol levels.

There are many studies that show that a high-fat diet can increase the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol (12), (13). So, if you decide to be on a high-fat diet for more than a month for weight loss, you should get your blood lipid profile done on a regular basis to keep a check on your cholesterol levels.

5. You may not tolerate caffeine.

If you are unable to tolerate caffeine, consuming bulletproof coffee may not be a good idea. You may experience hyperactivityⁱ  Neurodevelopmental disorder common in children where the patient tends to move constantly and is impulsive. , insomniaⁱ  Common disorder where the individual has difficulty falling asleep or does not have a proper sleep cycle. , and palpitationⁱ  Prominent sensation of racing or pounding of the heart, which can be felt against the chest, throat, or neck. .

To summarize, here’s who should avoid bulletproof coffee.

Who Should Avoid Bulletproof Coffee?

Avoid bulletproof coffee if:

• You follow a low-fat, low-carb, and moderate protein diet.
• You are on the Paleo or Mediterranean diet.
• You have any medical condition that prevents you from being on a high-fat diet.
• You have a BMIⁱ  Also called Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat calculated by dividing the person’s mass (in kg) by the square of their height (in meters). over 30.

Infographic: All About Bulletproof Coffee

The world has recently been raving about bulletproof coffee and for all the right reasons. This trendy drink offers various benefits as shown above, one of which is weight loss. If you wish to burn those extra calories effortlessly, this coffee can push you to your goal. Check out the infographic below for its simple recipe and how it aids weight loss.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bulletproof coffee a meal replacement?

Yes, you can consume bulletproof coffee as breakfast.

How many calories are there in bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee contains about 441 calories.

Is MCT oil good for you?

Yes, MCT oil is good for your health, especially if you are on a high-fat, low-carb diet. It helps convert triglycerides and stored body fat into ketones and also helps with maintaining brain health and energy.

Can you make bulletproof coffee with regular coffee?

Yes, you can make bulletproof coffee with regular coffee.

Is it OK to drink bulletproof coffee every day?

Yes, drinking a cup of bulletproof coffee every day or while intermittent fasting is fine. However, exceeding a cup is not recommended as it is high in fat. If you do so, you will notice that this coffee can make you gain weight which is, of course, counterproductive.

Is bulletproof coffee anti-inflammatory?

Yes, bulletproof coffee (or coffee, in general) has phenolic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (14).

Can I drink bulletproof coffee at night?

No, it is not recommended to drink bulletproof coffee (or even coffee) at night as its high caffeine content can disrupt sleep.

Illustration: Bulletproof Coffee: What Is It How It Works & Side Effects

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

You can now start your day with a boost of energy and flavor. Watch the following video on how to make delicious, creamy bulletproof coffee to refresh your mornings.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Temple StewartRD, LDN

   

Temple Stewart is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer in St. Petersburg, FL. She sees clients all over the world through virtual nutrition services. Her passion is to teach her clients how to experience a healthier life by using effective nutrition education and counseling.

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Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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