Eating better and losing weight is something many of us strive to do in our lives daily. For coffee drinkers, a trend that is picking up steam is bulletproof coffee. This coffee is used by many people as a replacement for their morning breakfast and is beloved by those who choose to follow paleo, keto, and other low-carb diet plans. The ingredients in bulletproof coffee and its effects on our bodies are highly debated. While some think this coffee combination is ideal for shedding pounds and staying energized, there are downsides to including bulletproof coffee in your diet.
Let’s take a look at what bulletproof coffee is, the few downsides to drinking it, and whether it’s healthy for people who are looking for a quick way to shed a few pounds.
What Is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is a combination of coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Created by Dave Asprey, who is also the creator of the Bulletproof Diet, this coffee claims it helps people lose weight, stay energized, and keep their focus. To properly use bulletproof coffee, a person is expected to have 1 to 2 cups each morning and forego their normal breakfast foods.
Also called butter coffee, bulletproof coffee shares a love/hate relationship with coffee drinkers. Some who drink it claim that the mixture is thick and delicious with a slight buttery taste. Others, usually those who prefer traditional coffee, claim it to be too oily and thick for their tastes. We won’t include its unique taste as a downside, as it’s purely subjective.
The 3 Downsides of Bulletproof Coffee
As we’ve said, most diet trends tend to have downsides no one wishes to talk about. Here’s a look at the three downsides you may experience if you add bulletproof coffee to your daily routine.
1. Low Nutritional Value
Bulletproof coffee is high in fat and calories while being low in the nutrients our bodies need. When this coffee is used as a replacement for breakfast, many are losing out on valuable nutrition. A well-balanced breakfast should include protein, carbohydrates, and fruits or vegetables. When replacing a meal with bulletproof coffee, you’re missing out on several of the nutrients your body craves. Keep this in mind before you switch your morning meal out for a cup of coffee.
2. High in Fats and Calories
When following diets like the keto plan, dieters replace most of their carb intake with foods that are high in fats and calories. This is done to fuel the body without the need for carbohydrates. Unfortunately, when it comes to bulletproof coffee, the fats this brings to the table are saturated fats. While some still debate the effects of these fats on the body, most believe a high intake of saturated fats can be dangerous. The American Heart Association believes roughly 13 grams of saturated fats per day is all a person’s diet should include. The butter used in bulletproof coffee alone is equal to 14 grams of saturated fat and above the recommended daily allowance.
3. May Raise Cholesterol
The saturated fats found in the butter of bulletproof coffee can also be responsible for raising cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance our bodies need and that they produce on their own. It is also something we consume in the foods we eat. While it’s true that following low-carb diets has been known to increase good cholesterol levels and maintain or hold bad cholesterol levels in the body, the butter included in bulletproof coffee can be dangerous for those struggling to keep their numbers in normal ranges. This is especially true if a person is still struggling with their cholesterol even after following a low-carb plan.
Is Bulletproof Coffee Healthy?
When it comes to determining whether bulletproof coffee is healthy, the answer isn’t simple. It truly depends on the person. For those who aren’t struggling with their weight, bulletproof coffee and the diets associated with it may be a great solution, but the ultimate decider should be your primary physician. Before adding bulletproof coffee to your diet or starting one of the diets associated with this morning beverage, speak with your doctor. They will help you determine whether your levels are safe enough for you to enjoy a bulletproof coffee now and then.
In Conclusion
As you can see, bulletproof coffee has both good and bad effects on the body. For many, adding this high-fat coffee to their diet may not be an issue. For others, it can be quite dangerous. Understanding the downsides of bulletproof coffee is the best way to make a wise decision for you and your body. Keep all aspects in mind when deciding if you want to say goodbye to your morning bacon and eggs and add bulletproof coffee as your morning main course.
SEE ALSO: 5 Health Benefits of Bulletproof & Keto Coffee: Based on Science
Featured Image Credit: SewCream, Shutterstock
