Nutrition Video Series: Bulletproof Coffee...should you try it?
Bulletproof coffee is a recipe: 2 cups coffee + 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter/ghee + 2 Tbsp coconut oil/MCT oil (such as ‘brain octane oil’ bulletproof sells on their site) Nutrition facts: 440 calories 52 g fat (38g saturated) 0g protein 0g carbs 0g fiber
- Claims: improve energy levels, brain function, mental clarity, & fat loss
- Research: Caffeine has already been proven effective at increasing metal focus, alertness, & athletic performance…without the addition of 52 g fat from butter/oil. There’s no evidence supporting claims made that this improves the effects of caffeine more than plain coffee. While yes, there are a few studies indicating MCT oil could benefit body composition, there’s a surplus pointing to fiber & protein benefiting body composition. Adding MCTs to your diet won’t result in immediate weight loss. You still need a calorie deficit.
- The creator of this made an entire ‘bulletproof diet’ & recommends you participate in ‘protein fasting’-limiting protein to 15g or less per day once a week. The claims? ‘lose fat, detox your cells, & sleep better!’ No. Nooooo. If this isn’t a red flag, I don't know what is.
- Some visuals: The grams of fat in this drink (~52-60 g) would be = to eating 2 full avocados, 10 eggs, 4 servings nuts, 2 cups cream, or 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded cheese…The difference between those foods & bulletproof coffee? Significantly more essential nutrients, fiber, protein than butter/oil alone. Think how full you’d feel from 10 eggs or 4 servings of nuts, compared to drinking that much fat in a cup of coffee.
- You’re not getting some magical brain function & miraculous fat loss by putting 4 Tbsp of pure fat in coffee. You’re getting caffeine, excess amount of fat, no protein & no fiber. I’m not saying there’s not a single person that drinks this & feels great, I’m sure there are several on a ketogenic diet that enjoy this. But there’s a lot of people not in ketosis believing this drink is providing something it’s not, & this company’s making a lot of $$ on false claims. Looking for a wholesome meal to help with energy levels & satiety? Try eggs, roasted potatoes, veggies, & avocado…of course, with a cup of coffee.