Description
Bulletproof coffee is a fatty twist on regular coffee that may help improve energy levels and cognitive function.
How to Do It
- Brew a regular cup of black coffee
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter into the cup
- Add in 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or MCT oil derived from coconut oil
- Blend the coffee for 20 seconds until it starts to foam
Benefits
- Decreases appetite
- Increases energy levels
- Improves cognitive function
Time Commitment
5 minutes
Why it works
- Medium chain triglycerides rapidly convert into ketones. Ketones are an alternative energy source which suppresses ghrelin (1). Ghrelin is the primary hunger hormone, and so when ghrelin decreases, your hunger decreases (2).
- According to research, medium chain triglycerides are utilized as an immediate source of energy for the brain (3).
- Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to improve mood, memory and general brain function (4, 5).
- The combination of caffeine and medium chain triglycerides may create a synergetic effect and help to increase energy levels.
Suggested Frequency
1-2 cups per day
Supporting Studies and Articles
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5813183/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24100676
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27080715
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1356551
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173254/
Side Effects
Although we have research about the individual ingredients in bulletproof coffee, there isn't any on the beverage itself.
- The saturated fat and cholesterol in bulletproof coffee tend to be fine for most people. However, certain people with a genetic sensitivity to dietary cholesterol and saturated fat may experience an increase in LDL cholesterol, which is a marker of heart disease (6).
- Some people anecdotally report minor side effects such as an upset stomach. Stomach discomfort can be prevented by not using excessive amounts of MCT oil and/or butter. Excessive coffee can also cause stomach issues, so if you notice that you are getting them it may be a good idea to pause bullet coffee.
Required Equipment
- Coffee
- MCT oil
- Grass-fed butter
- Blender
Gurus/Celebrities/Doing it
Dave Asprey
Related Products
Coffee
Category Health/Productivity/Mood:
Health, Productivity, Mood
Suggested Time of Day
You can drink bullet coffee in the morning, but your energy levels are typically high early in the morning.
It may be a better idea to drink bullet coffee after lunch, late morning or early afternoon when your energy levels start to dwindle.
Notes
- Keep in mind that bulletproof coffee is rich in calories. Drinking too many cups per day can prevent you from maintaining a caloric deficit, and therefore slow down weight loss.
- Use a blender to achieve a smoother consistency.
- Get your blood tested on a regular basis so that you can monitor how dietary changes (such as drinking bulletproof coffee) affect your health.
