
Bulletproof coffee is basically coffee with added fat, but at the same time it is a boost of energy for the body and mind.
One of the best aids and stimulating blends of recent years. Such a simple option, yet so effective – see for yourselves.
Bulletproof coffee (bulletproof coffee)
The popularizer of this version of coffee is blogger Dave Asprey, who decided to bring over the custom of the Tibetan natives (tea with yak butter), and then adapt it to American realities. The idea evolved, and that is how coffee with butter and healthy fatty acids was created, which can be used both for mental and energy benefits, as well as strictly for sports purposes.
Right from the start, I can tell you that this is an excellent option for people doing mental work, training hard physically, and in fact for anyone who wants to benefit from the properties of the drink. A good addition also for high-fat diets.
However, if on a daily basis you overdo with
coffee, then I recommend first taking a break and thereby clearing the receptors (apart from giving it up, a good idea would be
adaptogens and sulbutiamine to improve concentration or boost energy). Only then will you feel a strong kick and a host of other benefits offered by bulletproof coffee.
Bulletproof coffee, its ingredients and effects
The basis is ground coffee beans, which contain, among other things, caffeine, classified as a methylxanthine. I would immediately suggest ruling out freeze-dried or other instant coffees, as well as the ordinary ground coffee available in stores. The real power lies in the beans, and by grinding them properly we extract their full essence. The brew is most often prepared from Arabica coffee beans – I recommend focusing on their quality, although cheaper versions will also do the job.
The caffeine contained in coffee stimulates the nervous system, gets us going, and gives a boost of energy. In addition, it speeds up the pace of metabolism, affects appetite, and increases thermogenesis. What is more, it blocks adenosine receptors, which leads to reducing the feeling of fatigue. This can be used with confidence during weight-loss diets, and with the addition of fatty acids it fits perfectly into the ketogenic way of eating, when the goal is to burn stored body fat.
Caffeine increases the binding of dopamine to the appropriate receptors. Its intake is also associated with an increased release of noradrenaline and acetylcholine. Apart from the physical aspect, it increases concentration and motivation to act, which is useful in various types of activity. It is worth remembering, however, that everyone may feel the effects of caffeine differently – to a large extent this depends on genes (this refers to the so-called CYP1A2 gene polymorphism).
Bulletproof coffee is not only about the effect of each ingredient separately. It is also about the properties resulting from their optimal combination. For example, butter, due to its fatty acid content, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, neurons, and the brain. It also supports hormonal balance. Butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), antioxidants, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), omega-3 fatty acids (by the way, I recommend additional supplementation). The fats from butter improve the transport of caffeine, which reaches the brain more efficiently and works better in the way characteristic of it. Besides, fats are fairly caloric, and combined with caffeine they reduce appetite.
Another component of bulletproof coffee is MCT oil. This is a fat supplement containing medium-chain fatty acids. It is thanks to them that we get additional energy, as they reach the mitochondria directly and are not metabolized by our liver. In addition, they do not require additional carriers or the involvement of all enzymes, unlike, for example, higher fatty acids. They are well absorbed and can be used very quickly for energy purposes.
Adding
Omega-3 fatty acids (by the way, I recommend additional supplementation). The fats from butter improve the transport of caffeine, which reaches the brain more efficiently and works better in the way characteristic of it. Besides, fats are fairly caloric, and combined with caffeine they reduce appetite.
Another component of bulletproof coffee is MCT oil. This is a fat supplement containing medium-chain fatty acids. It is thanks to them that we get additional energy, as they reach the mitochondria directly and are not metabolized by our liver. In addition, they do not require additional carriers or the involvement of all enzymes, unlike, for example, higher fatty acids. They are well absorbed and can be used very quickly for energy purposes.
Adding
MCT oil to coffee is particularly important in weight-loss diets, where a calorie deficit is involved. Mainly because of their rapid burning in the muscles and use by the mitochondria – fast and readily available energy.
It is also worth mentioning that medium-chain fatty acids improve the absorption of vitamin E, which has, among other things, antioxidant potential.
Bulletproof coffee – how to prepare it?
Ingredients:
- 1-3 teaspoons of freshly ground coffee beans,
- 20-30g of butter,
- 5ml, and over time gradually up to 10ml of good-quality MCT oil.
As for the coffee beans, 100% Arabica from coffee plants grown in mountainous areas works best. Then the risk that the beans contain fungi or mold decreases. Of course, not everyone can or wants to be so particular, so simply choose proven beans (Arabica) with a rich taste and aroma.
In the case of butter, quality also matters. A good product will definitely contain more beneficial vitamins and omega fatty acids. The better the conditions in which the cows are raised, the better the milk, and thus the butter made from it.
A good MCT oil will be safer and will not cause a laxative effect. Even so, you should keep in mind to be cautious about the amount of the added supplement (dose starting from 5ml and gradually increasing, e.g. by 1ml, if needed).
To enrich the taste and diversify the recipe, it is worth trying additions such as cinnamon, cocoa, cardamom, or a vanilla pod. To brew the drink, you can use, for example, a French Press. After brewing, add the butter, MCT, and any other additions – finally, you can also use a blender (10-20 seconds) to obtain a smooth consistency. Cheers and enjoy.