Recently, “Bulletproof Coffee” has become a new favorite among many people trying to lose weight. On a certain social media platform, videos with the hashtag “Bulletproof Coffee” have garnered over 120 million views. So, what exactly is this highly popular “Bulletproof Coffee”? Does it have any weight loss benefits?
It is actually an improved version of butter tea.
According to sources, “Bulletproof Coffee” is a special coffee drink developed by Silicon Valley engineer Dave Asprey in 2011. The inspiration for its development came from a memorable trip Asprey took to Tibet.
At that time, he felt unwell due to altitude sickness, but his symptoms were unexpectedly relieved by a bowl of butter tea. Later, Asprey attempted to replicate the butter tea and innovate upon it by replacing tea with coffee, using grass-fed butter instead of yak milk, and adding coconut oil.
After careful blending, a new coffee drink was born. After consuming it, Asprey felt energized, as if he had “put on a bulletproof vest and was ready to go into battle.” This coffee was hence named “Bulletproof Coffee.”
“Bulletproof Coffee” is a mixture of black coffee, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil, and some variations may include a bit of protein powder,” explained Zhang Jiayu, a nutritionist at Peking University People’s Hospital. Compared to regular coffee, “Bulletproof Coffee” has a higher fat content, especially in saturated fatty acids.
The key ingredient, grass-fed butter, is made from milk produced by cows that are exclusively fed on grass and is produced through unsalted fermentation, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and antioxidants. Moreover, coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which can be rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body and converted into energy. Therefore, “Bulletproof Coffee,” which combines oil and coffee, can both invigorate the drinker and quickly replenish energy.
Similar to the principles of a ketogenic diet for weight loss
Because it contains fats, “Bulletproof Coffee” is quite high in calories, with a typical cup containing between 250 to 400 calories. How can such a high-calorie coffee be favored by those trying to lose weight?
Zhang Jiayu told reporters that the weight-loss mechanism of “Bulletproof Coffee” is similar to that of the popular ketogenic diet in recent years. Both methods aim to lower carbohydrate intake, increase fat consumption, and properly control protein intake, which helps the body enter a metabolic state referred to as ketosis. In ketosis, the body begins to break down stored fat in order to maintain normal physiological functions, thus achieving weight loss.
It is reported that the ketogenic diet was initially designed as a treatment plan for epilepsy patients and was later found to help control weight. Studies show that using the ketogenic diet long-term may increase the risk of coronary angina, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
“’Bulletproof Coffee’ contains a high amount of fats, and excessive fat intake can place a burden on the digestive system, potentially leading to digestive issues, bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms,” Zhang Jiayu noted. Regularly consuming a lot of “Bulletproof Coffee” may also raise blood lipid levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Some bloggers have recommended long-term substitutes of “Bulletproof Coffee” for regular meals. In Zhang Jiayu’s view, this approach focuses solely on fat intake while neglecting the necessary supplementation of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can lead to muscle loss during the weight-loss process.
“It is especially important to note that neither the ketogenic diet nor ‘Bulletproof Coffee’ is suitable for special groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly,” Zhang Jiayu stated. Ordinary individuals can occasionally enjoy “Bulletproof Coffee,” but they must control their intake. Once daily caffeine consumption exceeds 400 milligrams or a single dose exceeds 200 milligrams, it may induce anxiety, tension, and irritability.
