Now before you think I’m crazy, this is actually something that is becoming extremely popular around the US and Canada. Celebrities, gourmet chefs, and fitness professionals alike are jumping on the Bulletproof Coffee train. So, what is Bulletproof Coffee?
In a nutshell, or rather a mug, Bulletproof Coffee is 1-2 tbsp of unsalted grass-fed butter (yes butter), 1-2 cups of coffee from low-toxin beans (like upgraded Bulletproof Coffee Beans) made through a metal filter, and 1-2tbs of Brain Octane or XCT oil (these are 18x and 6x stronger than coconut oil, with no flavor. They are NOT generic MCT oil, which is about 1.6x stronger than coconut oil). Take all that, blend it together, and you have a cup of Bulletproof Coffee.
This brand of morning beverage has become so popular in certain areas like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, that it is available in independent and organic cafés, in addition to Bulletproof Coffee locations. But why are people like Jimmy Fallon, meditation expert Emily Fletcher, and gourmet chef Ariane Resnick so taken with this fat-filled brew?
Jeffrey Gladd, M.D., has been experimenting with coffee made according to Asprey’s recipe and reports good results. “It keeps hunger at bay and has enhanced my mental clarity and sharpness 20 to 25 percent,” he says. Jeff believes that a morning dose of almost pure fat may help stimulate the body’s fat-burning potential, leading to easier weight loss. (from DrWeil.com)
Founder Dave Asprey says, “I first discovered the epic rejuvenating powers of butter in yak tea while hiking at 18,000 feet of elevation near Mt. Kailash in Tibet. The feeling was incredible – it made me wonder why it had worked so well, and why the amount of energy it had given me had been so long lasting. Hint: it had a to do with the combined effects of what happens when you digest coffee’s caffeine combined with quality fats that shepherd it into your body when drinking Bulletproof Coffee.”
However, not all the press is good. Although I, and more qualified health professionals, agree that saturated fat has gotten a bad wrap in the public eye, some doctors and nutritionists have stated their hesitance of adding huge amounts of saturates to your diet. For people who already have high LDL-cholesterol, it can raise those levels which means increased risk of heart problems. Also, just drinking Bulletproof Coffee every morning isn’t going to make you loose weight, it is about the whole Bulletproof Diet. Think of it like this, eating a burger with vegan cheese doesn’t mean you’re getting the health benefits from being vegan. A cup of Bulletproof Coffee with the butter and XCT oil ends up being around 400+ calories. So, if you’re simply adding it to what you eat already, it’s just packing in more calories and fat.
There is certainly a case for the benefits of Bulletproof Coffee and it’s role in Biohacking your body. What is important is making sure it is right for you, your body, and your goals. As always, I’d suggest asking a health professional or doctor about it before starting the Bulletproof regime to make sure it’s a match!