Bulletproof coffee is popular among active people and professional athletes. It is a calorie-dense beverage usually consumed during breakfast. Bulletproof coffee consists of one cup of coffee with one tablespoon of grass-fed butter and 1-2 tablespoon of MCT oil blended.
Bulletproof coffee is well-accepted by people on a low carb or keto diets. Each ingredient in bulletproof coffee has its significance and effect on our body. Coffee contains caffeine which boosts metabolic rate, promotes fat loss and also increases mental alertness. It acts as a stimulant due to which people prefer consuming black coffee before an intense exercise session. Caffeine results in increased utilisation of fatty acids as fuel during exercise. It stimulates the release of dopamine which amplifies attention span and helps us stay focussed.
Another key ingredient is grass-fed butter which is an excellent source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyric acid. It increases the energy levels and provides a creamier taste to the coffee.
Bulletproof coffee is incomplete without MCT oil. MCT or medium-chain triglycerides are good fats naturally present in coconut, palm and full-fat dairy products. They are present in C6, C8, C10 and C12 forms. As compared to other forms, C8 or caprylic acid is tasteless and odourless. In bulletproof coffee, pure C8 MCT oil is added as it comes with the benefits of brain-fuelling ketones. They improve metabolism, provide satiety, burn fat and possess anti-microbial properties.
But bulletproof coffee is controversial because of some of the limitations attached to it. Bulletproof coffee has low nutritional value therefore replacing breakfast with this coffee makes us deprived of some essential nutrients which otherwise might be present in a normal breakfast meal. It is also high in saturated fats due to the presence of butter. Regular consumption of bulletproof coffee can increase the likelihood of developing heart diseases. It can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, therefore not suitable for people already having altered blood cholesterol profile.
To conclude, bulletproof coffee is a coffee with high-fat content. People on a keto diet prefer consuming it as a breakfast replacement. Even though it boosts energy levels, contains antioxidants and provides satiety, this coffee might pose a threat to our heart functioning. It is better to consume it occasionally and not make it a habit. In case of any medical condition, always consult your medical practitioner before beginning with bulletproof coffee.
