It seems like everything these days is turned into a coffee trend. From PSLs to unicorn lattes to everything in between, there's a niche for something light, fun, and intriguing. But what about bulletproof coffee? Even this drink's name sets it apart from the crowd—there's no promise of crazy colors or syrups, just straight up adrenaline. So, what is bulletproof coffee? And, how can I get my hands on it?
Where Did It Come From?
If you want a short answer—Tibet. But, for the sake of more details, this coffee blend's creator, Dave Asprey, apparently discovered the recipe while hiking in Tibet. Thankfully, you don't have to fly all the way to Asia to get the ingredients for this drink.
So, what is bulletproof coffee? Asprey claims that true bulletproof coffee has three main ingredients: low-mold coffee beans (I didn't even know coffee beans could get moldy), grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride oil. These oils, MCTs for short, are man-made fats, usually processed with coconut and palm oils. You think they sell bottles of it at Trader Joe's?
Does Butter Make it Better?
Don't get me wrong, I love butter as much as the next girl, especially on pancakes and waffles. But what about butter makes bulletproof coffee so special? It really depends on the type of cow you get the butter from.
The butter for bulletproof coffee has to be from grass-fed cows. This feeding style provides a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these fatty acids have a wealth of health benefits, from helping to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol to promoting skin and hair health.
What Does It Do For You?
A lot of people are touting bulletproof coffee as the next big thing in weight loss. But, are these claims really true? Technically yes, but if you're looking to drop 10 pounds before your holiday party, this probably isn't going to be your best bet.
The omega acids in the coffee have anti-inflammatory processes that will help reduce puffiness in the body, and the MCTs get metabolized in your liver. This process allows the body to utilize the MCTs as fuel, rather than storing them as fat. So, all in all, bulletproof coffee can provide modest weight loss, so long as you're keeping your other calories in check.
Who Should Drink This?
Are you a serious java junkie who doesn't mind indulging in a 450-calorie beverage? Then go ahead and try this blend! As far as taste goes, this drink will def be a little on the greasy side, thanks to all the butter and oils.
It's definitely an acquired taste, but one that seems easy enough to make at home if you're dying to taste it. There's nothing worse than shelling out a bunch of cash at a café, only to hate your new order.
At the end of the day, bulletproof coffee sounds like a bad science experiment, but has a pretty decent following worldwide. If you're brave and are looking for an interesting way to shed a pound or two, go ahead and brew yourself a cup! And when your friends ask, "what is bulletproof coffee?", now you'll be able to tell them with confidence.