Bulletproof coffee, the new craze that's stolen the hearts of coffee lovers across the world. There was a time, not too long ago, when skipping breakfast was similar to committing a dietary sin. Still, new evidence came to light showing that breakfast is not that necessary, especially if it contains sugary cereals, pancakes, or muffins (as many of us like to enjoy).
Moreover, it turns out that there are other ways to get your energy boost in the morning, without munching on hundreds of calories before you can even start the day. One of these is Bulletproof Coffee, a drink you can prepare at home and is praised as being extremely effective for both health and weight loss.
To make sure we have all the fact, we put together a detailed Bulletproof Coffee review, with information on nutritional value, benefits, and pros vs. cons. So, if you want to learn more, have a look below.
Bulletproof Coffee: What is it?
No, it’s not a coffee that can withstand bullets!
It is instead a coffee mixed with healthy fats (check out the recipe below) that will provide you with the benefits of coffee and the benefits of consuming the optimum dose of healthy fats in the morning (more about this in a section below).
The main effects of this odd coffee are a boost of energy, increased focus, and productivity throughout the day, improved brain function, and a reduction of the hunger sensation. So, we can say that the beverage can make you bulletproof to low-energy levels in the morning due to skipping breakfast.
Bulletproof Coffee Original
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
The original recipe was developed by Dave Asprey, an American entrepreneur, and author who was inspired by a traditional Tibetan drink (Yak Butter Tea). He put the basis of Bulletproof 360 Inc, a company that promotes and sales the product and its ingredients, but also offers advice on nutrition and overall well-being.
According to the Bulletproof founder, the original recipe must have these three ingredients:
Now, all you need is a blender to mix these ingredients together into a homogenous beverage.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about this drink and its ingredients, you may be puzzled. After all, it’s coffee with a bunch of saturated fats in it! Is this really the path to a better, healthier self?
As it turns out, the practice of fatty caffeinated drinks for breakfast is not a new idea. Between 575 and 850 CE (before people even discovered coffee as a beverage), the warriors from an Ethiopian tribe used to combine crushed coffee beans with animal fat for a boost of energy during long tracks.
Why You Should Use Original Ingredients
According to the founder, it’s best to use the ingredients they supply because not all buttered coffee is equal in nutritional value.
For instance, their coffee beans are mold-free and of the best possible quality. This aspect is important because low-quality coffee can actually have a totally different effect on your energy levels, by dropping it.
The beans they promote are single origin from high elevations and rainforest certified. They’re also tested for mycotoxins and mold, to make sure the flavor and the benefits are 100% accurate.
Next, on the list of ingredients, we have the butter. This absolutely must be grass-fed because other versions don’t have the same level of nutrients. It’s also the ingredient that adds creaminess to the beverage.
Finally, the Brain Octane oil can’t be replaced by regular coconut oil because it is four times more potent when it comes to raising ketones (more on this later in the article). Even more, Brain Octane is made with a special type of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) derived from coconut oil, which ensures the long-lasting effects of the beverage.
In conclusion, if you decide to make the Bulletproof Coffee with low-quality ingredients, the results may not be as great.
How Does it Taste?
If you’re used to plain coffee, it may take some time to get used to the new flavor and consistency. However, if you’re enjoying your regular coffee with cream, the taste won’t be that much different.
As described by many users and from our own experience, the taste is rich and creamy, with a slightly nutty flavor. You’ll definitely feel the butter, but it’s not unpleasant; it’s actually a bit exotic.
It’s important to blend the ingredients in a high-speed blender because otherwise the butter and the coconut oil will not combine well with the coffee and you’ll end up with a layered drink with the semi-melted butter being at the top.
Wait, Is Butter Bad for Health?
There was a time when even scientists believed that saturated fats (such as butter) are not good for our health. This was the time when everything was low-fat, and people would avoid it religiously.
However, recent studies showed that not all fats are bad. In fact, saturated fats that come from a high-quality source are considered healthy when consumed moderately and they can help improve your energy levels, skin, hair, and overall well-being.
So, even though Bulletproof Coffee is rich in saturated fats (butter and coconut oil) it’s not a threat to your health (if consumed according to recommendations and you are a healthy individual). Moreover, by consuming healthy fats first thing in the morning and skipping breakfast, you jump-start the ketosis process, which is considered beneficial for the liver and the brain.
Now, if you’re not used to the taste and overall texture of such a rich beverage, try adjusting the dose of butter. It takes a while for the system to adjust to a new dietary rule. Also, it helps to take a digestive enzyme supplement.
How Does it Work?
The first effects everyone notices after drinking Bulletproof Coffee is an increase in energy levels and sharper mental focus. Still, on closer analysis, the list of benefits is longer and more exciting, and this is mainly due to the ingredients that make the mix. They may be simple, but they are powerful!
Let’s go through the benefits brought by each ingredient.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
First, you reap the standard benefits of drinking coffee from high-quality beans.
Coffee is rich in essential nutrients (vitamin B2, vitamin B5, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B3), polyphenols, and antioxidants which is why we feel an energy boost after each cup.
Even more interesting, some researchers found that coffee consumed in moderation can help maintain a healthy heart and that it may lower the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and even Parkinson’s disease.
However, these benefits are only 100% available to you if you consume high-quality, mold-free coffee. This is why it’s important to check the source of the beans and their roasting process before you buy anything.
Benefits of Grass-fed Butter
Why is it so important that butter comes from grass-fed cows?
Well, the butter obtained from grain-fed cows is heavier in fats and has a different composition. As a result, it won’t mix as well with the other two ingredients, and the taste will be different.
But more important, it was proven that cows fed with grass give milk packed with useful vitamins the nourish the skin, eyes, heart, and brain. It’s also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain the health of your gut and brain and promote fat burning. Cows who only munch on grains don’t produce the same quality of milk.
For those of you who don’t digest dairy well, there is grass-fed Ghee, which is processed butter to remove milk fats, lactose, and casein.
Benefits of Brain Octane Oil
This is the magic ingredient that ties the mix together!
This oil’s special effect is seen in an increase of ketones, which are brain-boosting molecules who also have a powerful effect on weight loss and hunger control. This happens because the body can use ketones for energy, which means it won’t constantly pester you to consume carbs (aka cravings).
Still, it’s important to mention that the process won’t work if you do get those carbs, as the body will switch to glucose and forget about ketones. This is why it’s recommended to skip breakfast or to avoid having carbs for breakfast if you’re getting your Bulletproof Coffee in the morning.
The reason why Dave Asprey insists on using Brain Octane Oil in your coffee instead of regular coconut oil stands in its purity. Brain Octane is four times more efficient in raising ketone levels, than regular coconut oil, so, if you want the power kick so many people talk about, you need to use the right kind of oil.
Brain Octane is an MCT oil, which means you may need some adjusting to it (it can loosen your bowels). So, the first two weeks when you try Bulletproof Coffee, it’s best to only add one teaspoon of oil to the mix. Within two weeks, try increasing the dosage gradually, until you reach one tablespoon per day.
Also, people who are on a high-fat low-carb diet shouldn’t have any issues with the oil.
Should Bulletproof Coffee Replace My Breakfast?
First, it’s important to highlight that this should be your decision. Also, you should make the decision based on how your body reacts and how you feel during the day. So, try it out, and see if this is for you.
Now, it’s just as important to highlight the fact that, if you combine Bulletproof Coffee with a carb-heavy breakfast, the results won’t be that great. This is not a magic recipe for weight loss and brain power!
Moreover, the type of breakfast we eat (cereal, oatmeal toast, fruit, or granola) is a recipe for unbalanced blood sugar. This means you’ll feel more energized right after eating it, but by 10 o’clock in the morning (if you had breakfast at 8) you’ll feel a pressing need to eat again (because the blood sugar is crashing).
Now, besides feeling hungry, you’ll also be tired and cranky, which is not a good combination for a work-loaded day!
What Happens If I Skip Breakfast?
If you decide to skip breakfast and only have Bulletproof Coffee, you’ll jump start the ketosis process (which is usually started following the ketogenic diet). Ketosis has been proven to have many health-related benefits such as weight loss and hunger suppression, but it’s also connected to longevity, memory, and cognition.
Because the beverage is high in saturated fat and has no carbs, the body can use it to produce its necessary energy intake. Even more interesting, grass-fed butter will slow down the absorption of caffeine, which leads to steady and lasting energy (instead of a caffeine spike).
Finally, due to the Brain Octane Oil, you’ll feel more focused, you’ll be faster in making decisions, and overall have better mental clarity than before.
So, if you use fat as fuel in the morning, you’ll be sharper and more energized, and the sensation will last until lunchtime!
Quick tip: If you absolutely can’t skip breakfast, make sure it doesn’t contain carbs (here are some ideas of foods that respect the ketogenic diet you can try).
Bulletproof Coffee: The Good Vs. The Not-so-good
Like with any product we consume, it’s crucial to know the pros and the cons, so you can make an informed decision. So, after careful consideration, here are the facts we found:
The Good
The Not-so-good
Final Thoughts
Before you decide if Bulletproof Coffee is something you want to try, keep in mind that it may take a bit of adjustment. It’s also best to discuss it with your regular doctor, especially if you know you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from a disease.
The good news is that the beverage works as promised, by boosting your energy levels and maintaining brain sharpness throughout the morning. It’s also a fantastic way to reduce carbs in your diet and get rid of cravings before the 10 am. meeting.
Our advice is to try it and see how things go. Some people drink it daily while others try it for five out of the seven days per week. The idea is to listen to your body and trust that it will tell you if this is the right type of morning coffee for you!
Want to Improve Your Health?
Better health starts in the kitchen, with the food that you eat and the meals you prepare. Getting the best outcomes involves making good choices about the food and the ingredients that you use.
Check out my recommended products to see where you can get started.
[feather_share show="google_plus, twitter, facebook,pinterest" hide="reddit, linkedin, tumblr, mail"]