Source: Living Bulletproof
Kavya Rajesh
People are claiming that coffee combined with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) such as oil, ghee, or butter can trigger weight loss and boost cognitive function. This is based on the idea that MCT is rapidly converted into ketones, which the brain uses as source of quick energy. People claim that MCT suppresses hunger and encourages your body to reach into its fat stores for energy- thereby promoting weight loss. One company, Bulletproof, sells a proprietary blend of coffee beans, “Brain Octane Oil,” and butter made from the milk of grass-fed cows.
Bulletproof coffee is meant to be consumed first thing in the morning, presumably as a breakfast replacement. While the large amounts of fat present in the coffee might suppress your appetite for several hours, you lose out on the nutrients you could have obtained from a nutritious breakfast. Bulletproof coffee does not contain the same vitamins and minerals as a healthy breakfast with fruits, grains, and dairy or even a less healthy one with meat and eggs. By starting the morning off with bulletproof coffee, you are essentially replacing a complete meal with a mug of empty calories.
Bulletproof coffee also has substantial amounts of saturated fat (over 40 grams). The American Heart Association recommends no more than 15 grams per day on a typical 2000 calorie diet. According to Chistopher Ochner, a nutrition expert at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital says “there is a little bit of data on the use of medium-chain triglycerides for weight loss and regulating cholesterol. But the effect is very, very small.”
Works Cited
Asprey, Dave. “Bulletproof Coffee’s Benefits: How It Supercharges Your Morning.” Bulletproof, Bulletproof, 18 July 2018, blog.bulletproof.com/bulletproof-coffee-benefits/.
Gayomali, Chris. “What It’s Like To Drink Bulletproof Coffee Every Morning For Two Weeks.” Fast Company, Fast Company, 8 May 2017, www.fastcompany.com/3034539/what-its-like-to-drink-bulletproof-coffee-every-morning-for-two-weeks.
Gunnars, Kris. “3 Reasons Why Bulletproof Coffee Is a Bad Idea.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 10 June 2014, www.healthline.com/nutrition/3-reasons-why-bulletproof-coffee-is-a-bad-idea#section4.
“How to Make Bulletproof Coffee… And Make Your Morning Bulletproof.” Bulletproof, Bulletproof, 18 July 2018, blog.bulletproof.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/.
McAdams, Molly. “How Much Saturated Fats Should You Have Per Day?” Healthy Eating, SF Gate, 11 June 2018, healthyeating.sfgate.com/much-saturated-fats-should-per-day-5488.html.