3 Potential Downsides of Bulletproof Coffee September 16, 2024

3 Potential Downsides of Bulletproof Coffee

BY Usman December 21, 2021

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie coffee beverage that is meant to be used in place of breakfast.

In a blender, combine 2 cups (470 ml) coffee, 2 tablespoons (28 grams) grass-fed unsalted butter, and 12–12 tablespoons (15–30 ml) MCT oil.

Dave Asprey, the developer of the Bulletproof Diet, was the first to advocate it. Asprey’s company claims that the coffee it produces and sells is devoid of mycotoxins. There is, however, no proof that this is the case.

Bulletproof coffee has grown in popularity, particularly among paleo and low-carb diets.

Although it’s probably safe to drink Bulletproof coffee on occasion, it’s not a good idea to do so on a regular basis.

Here are three possible drawbacks to Bulletproof coffee.

Low in nutrients

Bulletproof coffee should be substituted for breakfast, according to Asprey and other proponents. Bulletproof coffee has a lot of fat, which suppresses your hunger and gives you energy, but it’s deficient in several nutrients. You’re substituting a poor alternative for a nutritious meal by sipping Bulletproof coffee. While grass-fed butter has some CLA, butyrate, and vitamins A and K2, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a refined and processed fat that lacks key elements. If you eat three meals a day, substituting Bulletproof coffee for breakfast will likely cut your overall nutritional consumption by one-third.

SUMMARY: Promoters of Bulletproof coffee recommend that you drink it instead of eating breakfast. However, doing so will significantly reduce the total nutrient load of your diet.

High in saturated fat

Bulletproof coffee has a lot of saturated fat in it. While the health consequences of saturated fats are debatable, many health experts think that excessive consumption is a major risk factor for a variety of disorders and should be avoided. While some studies link a high saturated fat diet to an increased risk of heart disease, others find no such link. Despite this, the majority of government dietary guidelines and health organizations urge consumers to keep their intake to a minimum. While saturated fat can be part of a healthy diet when ingested in moderation, it can be hazardous when consumed in large quantities. If you’re concerned about saturated fat or high cholesterol, try cutting back or eliminating Bulletproof coffee from your diet.

May raise your cholesterol levels

Low-carb and ketogenic diets, which are often heavy in fat and may contain Bulletproof coffee, have been the subject of numerous research. The majority of the studies show that these diets do not, on average, raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Your triglycerides and weight will both decrease, but your HDL (good) cholesterol will increase. Butter, on the other hand, appears to be very effective at raising LDL cholesterol levels. In a study of 94 British people, eating 50 grams of butter daily for four weeks raised LDL cholesterol levels higher than eating the same quantity of coconut or olive oil (5Trusted Source). Another 8-week trial in overweight Swedish men and women found that butter elevated LDL cholesterol by 13% more than whipped cream. It could be related to its fat structure, according to the researchers (6Trusted Source). Also, keep in mind that not everyone reacts to a high-fat diet in the same manner. Total and LDL cholesterol, as well as other heart disease risk factors, rise dramatically in certain persons. If you’re on a low-carb or ketogenic diet and have high cholesterol, the first thing you should do is limit your butter intake. Bulletproof coffee is included in this.

SUMMARY: Butter and high-saturated-fat ketogenic diets may raise cholesterol levels. In certain people, there are also other risk factors for heart disease. Those who already have It’s advisable to avoid Bulletproof coffee if you have high blood pressure.

Should anyone drink Bulletproof coffee?

Overall, Bulletproof coffee may be beneficial to some people, particularly those on a ketogenic diet who do not have high cholesterol levels. Bulletproof coffee, when combined with a healthy diet, can help you lose weight and boost your energy levels. If you find that this morning drink enhances your well-being and quality of life, the reduced nutrient load may be worth it. If you consume Bulletproof coffee on a regular basis, you should have your blood markers checked to ensure you aren’t increasing your risk of heart disease and other diseases.

The bottom line

Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat coffee beverage designed to replace breakfast. It’s popular among those on the ketogenic diet. While it’s satisfying and energizing, it has a number of drawbacks, including decreased overall nutrient intake, higher cholesterol, and high saturated fat levels. Bulletproof coffee, on the other hand, maybe safe for folks who don’t have high cholesterol or who follow a low-carb or ketogenic diet. If you’re interested in trying Bulletproof coffee, make an appointment with your doctor to have your blood markers examined.