Bulletproof coffee: why put coconut oil in coffee?

Today we're talking to you about one of the most popular "food fads" of the moment: bulletproof coffee.

Literally, it can be translated as “bulletproof coffee”, probably referring to two characteristics of the particular drink: its creaminess, which makes it denser than a normal coffee, and its ability – it seems – to make it stronger, more concentrated and more ward off the feeling of hunger for hours.

But how do you prepare? And is it good? The theses of nutritionists, at an international level, are conflicting.

Origins and preparation of bullet-proof coffee

Let's start with what it is: bulletproof coffee is a mixture of espresso coffee and fats, of both animal and vegetable origin.

Its canonical recipe would involve mixing in a blender:

• a double espresso
• a teaspoon of coconut oil
• a teaspoon of unsalted clarified butter

You get a very caloric and energetic drink, rich in lipids, capable of maintaining a sense of satiety throughout the morning. In fact, it should be consumed as breakfast, or rather, as a liquid substitute for breakfast, without combining it with other foods.

Its origin has been traced back to the traditional bo-cha, Nepalese yak butter tea. In the areas of Tibet and Solu-Khumbu, it is common to drink black tea with butter added - prepared with the milk of yaks, friendly native cattle. A true concentration of energy, in a cold place where very long distances are covered exclusively on foot.

But if you're not trekking at the foot of Everest, does it make sense to add fat to your coffee?

Bulletproof coffee, fats and the ketogenic diet according to doctors

Scientists and nutritionists have wondered about this food trend, which is very popular among those who follow a ketogenic diet, paleo or anyway low-carb, which therefore includes lipids as the main energy source instead of carbohydrates.

Among others, Joan Salge Blake, nutritionist and professor at Harvard University, and Giacinto Miggiano, director of the Clinical Nutrition Unit at Gemelli in Rome, spoke about it.

Certainly, many specialists agree thatspending the whole morning, after an overnight fast, without ingesting anything other than lipids and caffeine, is not too healthy. Fundamental elements such as vitamins, minerals, fibres...

are completely missing

Furthermore, it could be dangerous for those with high cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and diseases in general that would require a low-fat diet.

Coconut oil: good fats?

Professor Miggiano, however, "broke a spear" in favor of coconut oil. In fact, he would have stated that: "Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that enter directly into the bloodstream. Rather than being stored as fat, they produce immediate energy and help neutralize ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and increase leptin, the hormone that signals the brain when we are full. It is a food that can be consumed in moderation and does not negatively affect cholesterol levels. However, its use in the diet must be kept under control. used to support some therapies. Some studies have shown how these fats can help in promoting the consumption of excess calories, the metabolisation of fats and the reduction of appetite, promoting weight loss".

Sources:

• https://dottoremaeveroche.it/il-burro-chiarificazione-nel-caffe-fa-dimagrire/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323253#downsides
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/3-reasons-why-bulletproof-coffee-is-a-bad-idea#The-bottom-line