Bulletproof coffee: what is added to the drink for energy boost

There are a huge number of coffee recipes to suit every taste: bitter black, sweet and delicate latte, variants with spices, with vegetable milk, with added alcohol, with syrups, and even coffee without its main ingredient, caffeine. Many people admit that they drink it not even to increase their energy level but simply for the sake of taste.

However, according to The List, the so-called "bulletproof coffee" is now gaining popularity, an option that is suitable for those who follow a keto diet. What makes it different from all other recipes is that you need to add butter and coconut oil to the drink, namely 1-2 tablespoons per cup.

The recipe was developed by American biohacker Dave Asprey, who allegedly brought the idea from Tibet. According to him, a local woman treated him to a traditional tea with yak milk butter, and he immediately felt a surge of energy. When he returned home, he tried to make something similar with coffee and was very pleased with the result.

Health benefits

This fatty coffee, which contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs, found in coconut oil), has quickly become popular among people following a low-carbohydrate or keto diet. Those who have already tried the new drink admit that it not only boosts their energy levels but also helps them stay fuller for longer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet made its conclusions about bulletproof coffee. But some doctors already say that in moderation, the drink can be quite beneficial. In particular, organic butter contains omega-3 and vitamin K, which, among other things, will benefit the skin and blood vessels.

Meanwhile, Ayurveda supporters claim that such coffee can replace the morning consumption of ghee (baked butter) on an empty stomach. It is eaten to "lubricate the gastrointestinal tract" in order to slow down the absorption of nutrients from food and keep you feeling full for longer. Evidence-based medicine is skeptical of this advice, but supporters of this approach have praised bulletproof coffee.

Why butter in coffee can be a bad idea

According to the American Heart Association, people should not consume more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day. A standard recipe for coffee with butter includes up to 2 tablespoons of butter. The content of saturated fat in this amount can reach 14 grams, which is already higher than the norm. This can lead to high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

Professional nutritionists also criticize Dave Asprey's idea of replacing a cup of bulletproof coffee with the entire breakfast. They point out that the drink is low in nutrients. Therefore, experts advise to consult a doctor before introducing this recipe into your diet on a regular basis.