Source: The Food Rush

Kavya Rajesh

Vitamin sales approach $28 billion annually and nearly half of all Americans take some form of multivitamin. Multivitamins are marketed based on claims they boost health and wellness in specific ways, such as prolonging life. Some believe that multivitamins can improve health and make up for poor eating habits. Multivitamins are not regulated by the FDA and their nutrient composition varies by brand and product.  

While some people (e.g. aging adults at risk for osteoporosis and pregnant woman) may benefit from vitamins, most people living in developed nations eating a balanced diet get little to no benefit from daily multivitamins. Large quantities of vitamins can actually be harmful. High daily intake (known as a megadose) of Vitamin A can increase risk of birth defects and osteoporosis. High intake of Vitamin C pills can increase risk of kidney stones.

Nutrition experts say money might be better spent on nutrient-packed foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These whole foods have other health benefits such as fiber and likely have benefits that remain unmeasured. Current studies show that multivitamins do not reduce risk for heart disease, cancer, or mental decline.  

Works Cited

“The Benefits of Vitamin Supplements.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health Publishing, www.health.harvard.edu/vitamins-and-supplements/the-benefits-of-vitamin-supplements.

Cohut, Maria. “Can a Vitamin Combo Prolong Your Life?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323373.php

“Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins?” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/is-there-really-any-benefit-to-multivitamins.

Tinnesand, Michael. “Are Vitamin Supplements Necessary?” American Chemical Society, American Chemical Society, Jan. 2018, www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2017-2018/december2017/vitamin-supplements.html.

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.