Bulletproof coffee is all the rage these days. It has many night show hosts buzzing and is even making the news worldwide. So, what is it and is it healthy for you?
Bulletproof or butter coffee combines coffee with unsalted butter and a medium chain triglyceride(MCT) like coconut oil. The ingredients are blended and served warm, taking on the look of a creamy latte.
Bulletproof coffee is a high calorie drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast. According to the creator of this drink, starting the day with bulletproof coffee can help those who follow an intermittent fasting diet feel satiated, alert, and focused.
While it’s filling and gives you more energy, there’s no evidence it is a healthy meal replacement. You know what else can keep you feeling full? A healthy breakfast.
According to health.clevelandclinic.org, butter, oil, and coffee, even when combined, do not meet the standards of a well-balanced breakfast. It’s important to have more nutrients, like protein and fibre, to help keep you fuller longer and to avoid any energy crashes.
Skip this drink if you have:
Diabetes: When you stay full longer, you may be inclined not to eat at regular intervals, which isn’t necessarily a good thing when you have diabetes.
Gastrointestinal issues: MCTs may be beneficial for people with GI issues who are experiencing weight loss, since they’re a shorter chain length and are digested and absorbed much more efficiently. But some people who try butter coffee report experiencing unpleasant side effects like bloating, diarrhea and an upset stomach after drinking it.
Heart problems: People with high cholesterol and other heart issues are often advised to scale back on butter, due to its high amounts of saturated fat. Bulletproof coffee is definitely not part of a low-cholesterol diet.
Bulletproof coffee may be okay for some people, if you consume it as part of a balanced diet and don’t have elevated cholesterol levels. If you’re interested in trying Bulletproof coffee, it may be best to consult a healthcare professional to get your blood markers checked.