There’s a big buzz about bulletproof coffee, a high-calorie drink that purportedly can take the place of a carb-heavy breakfast. The Pioneer’s SHIKHA DUGGAL breaks down the pros and cons of it in this week’s health talk.
What is it about this coffee that is bulletproof? It truly did hit us like a bullet when we first saw this language. Is coffee resistant to bullets? But seriously, there’s a big buzz about this high-calorie drink that seems to be meant to take the place of a carb-heavy breakfast. That brings us to this week’s new health segment!
“Bulletproof coffee is a blend of coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride oil or coconut oil, which has gained attention for its potential to provide sustained energy and mental clarity, with some suggesting benefits for weight loss,” says Dr. GS Lamba, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. It works best when combined with a light breakfast, though, and should not be used in place of a nourishing meal. Bulletproof coffee lacks vital elements like proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are present in a balanced meal, even though it fits in with low-carb, high-fat diets like keto! “The benefits of the beverage include long-lasting energy and possible cognitive improvements, which appeal to people looking for better attention. Despite these advantages, it is advisable to exercise caution while consuming large amounts of it due to the possibility of unforeseen repercussions. Individual appropriateness varies, and moderation is necessary as with many dietary trends,” informed Dr. GS Lamba. Cost is an important factor, particularly for middle-class consumers, since premium coffee beans, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil raise the price tag. A dietitian and a doctor should be consulted by anyone interested in trying bulletproof coffee, especially if they have any underlying medical concerns. Beginning with tiny doses enables people to determine their tolerance and evaluate integration into their daily routine.
Ms. Edwina Raj, a clinical nutrition and dietetics specialist at Aster CMI Hospital, corroborates the same that the popularity of bulletproof coffee has increased recently as low-carb and ketogenic diets have grown in favor. The doc says, “Touted as a beverage that enhances performance, Debates over its overall health impact are sparked by the fact that some people applaud its benefits while others condemn its high calorie and saturated fat content. Benefits of bulletproof coffee include a rapid and long-lasting energy boost produced by combining coffee, butter, and MCT oil. Or, a few people claim to have more clarity and concentration in their minds. The high fat content may help regulate appetite by causing sensations of fullness. It is consistent with ketogenic diets and encourages the condition of ketosis, in which the body uses fat as fuel.”
There are drawbacks to it as well! The dietician warns us that if not taken into account when calculating total caloric intake, it might be high in calories and cause weight gain. Bulletproof coffee contains butter, which is a source of saturated fat. Consuming too much of it can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Also, if it is frequently used as a meal replacement, it may cause nutritional deficits since it lacks important elements that are present in well-balanced meals. Premium ingredients, including MCT oil and grass-fed butter, can be pricey too. Then it lacks the variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that a balanced meal would supply. The nutritionist continues, “The price of bulletproof coffee’s ingredients determines how affordable it is for middle-class consumers. Although coffee is usually not expensive, it can become more expensive if premium, grass-fed butter and MCT oil are used. Including it in a middle-class budget means spending wisely and weighing your options. While some might find it doable, others could choose more affordable breakfast options.” The dietician or nutritionist advises, If someone wants to give it a try, “learn about its ingredients and potential benefits and drawbacks. Gradually introduce it to see how your body responds. Use MCT oil, grass-fed butter, and premium coffee. Consider your total diet rather than depending just on it for vital elements. Change ingredients according to your dietary needs and taste preferences. Before making big dietary changes, speak with a healthcare provider if you have any health issues or problems.”
Research such as the one assessing bulletproof coffee’s cognitive function may have boosted its popularity among consumers. Although there was no statistically significant difference in cognitive function between bulletproof coffee and black coffee, the study did indicate that bulletproof coffee may boost feelings of fullness and decrease perceived future food consumption, which may be of interest to people seeking weight control techniques. Mr. Vivek Newar, a fitness and nutrition consultant at Dyet Nutrition, compiles for us, “The bulletproof coffee campaign may also be influenced by general patterns in coffee consumption, marketing techniques, and attitudes about chocolate and coffee. Given that coffee is a widely consumed beverage, any new variation or trend in this industry, like bulletproof coffee, has the potential to capture consumers’ attention on a global scale. In conclusion, despite the paucity of studies on the precise variables that led to the sudden popularity of bulletproof coffee, elements including the desire for ketogenic diets and their estimated health benefits, as well as consumer behaviour trends within the industry, may have contributed to its rise in popularity.”
Conversely, as dietician Garima Dev Verman of The Healthy Indian Project explains, “Bulletproof coffee is a concept that was made popular by biohacker and entrepreneur Dave Asprey. Its proponents assert that the blend of MCT oil, healthy fats, and caffeine can improve mental clarity and cognitive performance. Ketones are believed to have beneficial effects on the brain during fat breakdown. Because it is DIY-friendly, people may modify the recipe to suit their own tastes and financial restraints, as well as manage the quality of the ingredients. It is imperative to take into account regional culinary customs, nutritional preferences, and ingredient accessibility. Cultural considerations should be made because bulletproof coffee’s high fat content may not align with typical morning dishes in some groups. It is also crucial to remember that, despite its growing popularity, health professionals continue to disagree over the advantages and disadvantages of bulletproof coffee. Moderation is crucial because bulletproof coffee has a high fat level, which may not be good for everyone.”
“Bulletproof coffee is a blend of coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride oil or coconut oil, which has gained attention for its potential to provide sustained energy and mental clarity, with some suggesting benefits for weight loss,” says Dr. GS Lamba, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. It works best when combined with a light breakfast, though, and should not be used in place of a nourishing meal. Bulletproof coffee lacks vital elements like proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are present in a balanced meal, even though it fits in with low-carb, high-fat diets like keto! “The benefits of the beverage include long-lasting energy and possible cognitive improvements, which appeal to people looking for better attention. Despite these advantages, it is advisable to exercise caution while consuming large amounts of it due to the possibility of unforeseen repercussions. Individual appropriateness varies, and moderation is necessary as with many dietary trends,” informed Dr. GS Lamba. Cost is an important factor, particularly for middle-class consumers, since premium coffee beans, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil raise the price tag. A dietitian and a doctor should be consulted by anyone interested in trying bulletproof coffee, especially if they have any underlying medical concerns. Beginning with tiny doses enables people to determine their tolerance and evaluate integration into their daily routine.
Ms. Edwina Raj, a clinical nutrition and dietetics specialist at Aster CMI Hospital, corroborates the same that the popularity of bulletproof coffee has increased recently as low-carb and ketogenic diets have grown in favor. The doc says, “Touted as a beverage that enhances performance, Debates over its overall health impact are sparked by the fact that some people applaud its benefits while others condemn its high calorie and saturated fat content. Benefits of bulletproof coffee include a rapid and long-lasting energy boost produced by combining coffee, butter, and MCT oil. Or, a few people claim to have more clarity and concentration in their minds. The high fat content may help regulate appetite by causing sensations of fullness. It is consistent with ketogenic diets and encourages the condition of ketosis, in which the body uses fat as fuel.”
There are drawbacks to it as well! The dietician warns us that if not taken into account when calculating total caloric intake, it might be high in calories and cause weight gain. Bulletproof coffee contains butter, which is a source of saturated fat. Consuming too much of it can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Also, if it is frequently used as a meal replacement, it may cause nutritional deficits since it lacks important elements that are present in well-balanced meals. Premium ingredients, including MCT oil and grass-fed butter, can be pricey too. Then it lacks the variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that a balanced meal would supply. The nutritionist continues, “The price of bulletproof coffee’s ingredients determines how affordable it is for middle-class consumers. Although coffee is usually not expensive, it can become more expensive if premium, grass-fed butter and MCT oil are used. Including it in a middle-class budget means spending wisely and weighing your options. While some might find it doable, others could choose more affordable breakfast options.” The dietician or nutritionist advises, If someone wants to give it a try, “learn about its ingredients and potential benefits and drawbacks. Gradually introduce it to see how your body responds. Use MCT oil, grass-fed butter, and premium coffee. Consider your total diet rather than depending just on it for vital elements. Change ingredients according to your dietary needs and taste preferences. Before making big dietary changes, speak with a healthcare provider if you have any health issues or problems.”
Research such as the one assessing bulletproof coffee’s cognitive function may have boosted its popularity among consumers. Although there was no statistically significant difference in cognitive function between bulletproof coffee and black coffee, the study did indicate that bulletproof coffee may boost feelings of fullness and decrease perceived future food consumption, which may be of interest to people seeking weight control techniques. Mr. Vivek Newar, a fitness and nutrition consultant at Dyet Nutrition, compiles for us, “The bulletproof coffee campaign may also be influenced by general patterns in coffee consumption, marketing techniques, and attitudes about chocolate and coffee. Given that coffee is a widely consumed beverage, any new variation or trend in this industry, like bulletproof coffee, has the potential to capture consumers’ attention on a global scale. In conclusion, despite the paucity of studies on the precise variables that led to the sudden popularity of bulletproof coffee, elements including the desire for ketogenic diets and their estimated health benefits, as well as consumer behaviour trends within the industry, may have contributed to its rise in popularity.”
Conversely, as dietician Garima Dev Verman of The Healthy Indian Project explains, “Bulletproof coffee is a concept that was made popular by biohacker and entrepreneur Dave Asprey. Its proponents assert that the blend of MCT oil, healthy fats, and caffeine can improve mental clarity and cognitive performance. Ketones are believed to have beneficial effects on the brain during fat breakdown. Because it is DIY-friendly, people may modify the recipe to suit their own tastes and financial restraints, as well as manage the quality of the ingredients. It is imperative to take into account regional culinary customs, nutritional preferences, and ingredient accessibility. Cultural considerations should be made because bulletproof coffee’s high fat content may not align with typical morning dishes in some groups. It is also crucial to remember that, despite its growing popularity, health professionals continue to disagree over the advantages and disadvantages of bulletproof coffee. Moderation is crucial because bulletproof coffee has a high fat level, which may not be good for everyone.”
