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Bulletproof Coffee?
Nutrition | February 17, 2015
Some of you may know that I really swear by the concoction commonly referred to as Bulletproof Coffee. It’s marketed as a kind of gimmick, but the methods and ingredients involved are actually quite sound. Still, some of the claims made by Dave Asprey, the man behind Bulletproof Coffee range from suspect to just a marketing ploy.
For starters, I don’t think it’s a magic potion and it’s not for everyone (especially those of you who don’t like coffee or have sensitive stomachs). I personally like it because it combines healthy fats and caffeine in a very quick and manageable drink. I love it in the morning before my workouts. The healthy fats provide fuel and the caffeine helps keep me awake and alert. Again though, everyone may not experience the same results with this concoction. However, I always suggest eating healthy fats in some form or another (see my Nutrition Guide) and consider them crucial for our diets.
Bulletproof Coffee is easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. All that is required to make it is fresh coffee, unsalted grass-fed butter (I take one tbsp), coconut or MCT oil (also one tbsp) and some type of blender.
Unfortunately, one major aspect of Asprey’s Bulletproof Coffee that I consider suspect is that he insists you must purchase his coffee beans to avoid dangerous toxins. Asprey claims that other kinds of coffee purchased at stores or cafes are toxic. More specifically, Asprey insists that they contain aflatoxins due to mold. This is quite misleading. He is implying that you can and will get sick if you purchase coffee other than his own.
According to some studies roasting any coffee actually destroys almost all of the potential aflatoxins. A study done in the academic journal, Mycotoxin Research, states the following: “The percentage of toxin destruction was up to 93% for light roasted and 99% for dark roasted coffee with a slightly higher rate up to 100% for the electrically roasted coffee for light and dark roasting.”
Also, bear in mind that a variety of other foods contain or are at risk of containing aflatoxins. This includes nuts, legumes and seeds. Even if there are small levels of toxins present in our foods the risk is still minimal to none according to Dr. Bryan Chung, founder of Evidence-Based Fitness and a board member of the academic journal, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine.
Toxins are everywhere. We should only be concerned when they’ve reached levels beyond regulated safety measures. It’s the dose that makes the poison. For example, apples contain cyanide, a potentially lethal poison yet we eat them everyday. Why? Because the amount of cyanide is so small, that it’s not worth considering as a health threat.
As much as I enjoy Asprey’s recipe for Bulletproof Coffee in the morning, some of the results are a bit farfetched. At the very least, they are subjective, meaning there are not any studies or research to fully support some of his statements – something I’m always careful to avoid.
Have you tried Bulletproof Coffee? How do you like it?
Private Member |
Every now and then I decide to benefit from bulletproof coffee and every time it ends up the same way: my heartrate increases so much that I feel very strange and I loose all my energy. It’s a pity, because I really like the taste. So lucky you who can use it in a positive way! I will hold on to average coffee…
Private Member |
sydney, nsw, australia
I understand using coconut oil as it’s processed in the liver and used immediately for energy, but I never understood the point of the butter?
Private Member |
I was making a type of tea one time that required butter, I was a little confused, and disgusted by the idea. I was even saying does it really say butter? It just gives the drink a texture…. I have not tried the Bulletproof coffee yet, but it sounds amazing, and just what I need to start the day. I have weird stomach issues in the morning, I feel sick sometimes. Maybe this will help.
Private Member |
tx, usa
I have SO MANY questions about this because I’d like to try it. I know its just your opinion and there are a lot of thoughts out there, and everyone has reasons behind their “truth,” but I’ve been following you since BodyRock and have never been in better shape so your view on this carries quite a bit of weight with me.
Maybe a Coffee Talk Q&A topic! 😉
——–
Is this all you have before your morning workout?
How long before you start your workout do you drink your bulletproof coffee?
IN YOUR OPINION…..
Are carbs or fat or protein recommended/better before a workout? or combo of all three?
Is there a difference in pre-workout snack for a 45 minute run vs. 15-20min HIT?
I try to stay strict and consistent in my diet but WHEN “I fall off the wagon” or have a cheat day will the extra fat calories from the BP coffee make it worse or will it actually help because I’ll stay full and satisfied longer and not want to cheat as much?
Is bulletproof coffee suggested only for pre-“intense”-workout or is it ok for pre-power yoga or before a 5 min workout?
Thank you for all your time and energy! You inspire me! THANK YOU!
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
ok here we go 🙂
1. Yes thats all I have before my early morning workout
2. I drink the coffee right before my workout usually, max. 15 minutes prior. It doesn’t make me feel heavy so I can workout right away while feeling energized
3. I don’t recommend carbs before workout unless you’re and ectomorph and want to put on some weight. If your goal is to be lean, I recommend low carb snack packed with protein, fat or both.
4. You can fall of the wagon anytime. Starting your day with the bulletproof coffee and a workout is the best way to get back. Like you and others have already mentioned it will keep you full and satisfied for hours. Not just that. There’s won’t be any crush of energy like you’d get from starchy and sugary carbs.
5. I drink the coffee in the morning before any of my workouts and as a matter of fact even if I don’t workout in the morning I still might have the coffee instead of breakfast if Im in a hurry. It keeps me full and happy for a long time 🙂
Private Member |
Thank you so much for this! I tried this type of drink for the first time and I loved it!! I think I cannot drink the whole amount because it is too much for me but at least half is good and I felt energized and full! 😀 I thought it would taste nasty but it tastes great! 😀
Private Member |
I typically avoid caffeine, and coffee is sort of a treat to have 2-3 times per month (with cream, no sugar). I have actually met Dave Asprey and I’ve had bulletproof coffee (and made it myself a few times), but I can’t really tell if there’s a different in my energy levels or mental clarity with bulletproof versus regular coffee because any amount of caffeine gives me a zip. I pretty much get just as hungry, too (again, caffeine). That being said, I do enjoy it. I plan on reading his book, The Bulletproof Diet, just to see what it’s about. As with any diet, some things work well for some, others not so much.
Private Member |
manchester, united kingdom
I wouldnt waste my time trying his diet or reading his books! It cant be healthy when he himself has diabeties, that said.
Private Member |
Is a blender necessary? I assumed that the butter and coconut oil just needed to melt into the coffee. I am not a coffee drinker but may try the chai tea recipe suggested by Seraphina. I do drink Maxwell House sugar-free Suisse Mocha…maybe I’ll try adding the butter and coconut oil to that.
Private Member |
I hate coffee. It makes me feel like throwing up every time. I am very sensitive to caffeine. It makes me feel like a crack head haha! Herbal tea is my drink on of choice. Even free tea is far too strong.
Private Member |
Drink of* choice. Green* tea. Sorry, the spell check on my phone is not very helpful.
Private Member |
uk
I have never tried it and I dont think I will. The idea of so much oil and fat going down my throat – no way:) I put sugar in my morning coffee and I think Im gonna stick to it. And butter should go on toast:)
Private Member |
I think I’d love to try it even if my mind does think it strange that oil and butter go with coffee lol….i just can’t get my head around that idea…i love my coffee especially Starbucks and Costa coffee….maybe one day I’ll try a bulletproof one! My palate isn’t that good though as because as i said I’d try a green tea today i did but it’s too bitter for me 🙁 I took it black with no sugar as i was fasting but maybe I’m just used to nettle tea.
Private Member |
Wow I cannot believe how many people don’t like coffee, that’s incredible to me. ..I’m italian and love espresso coffee, I do enjoy bulletpproof coffee and yes blender is necessary . gives that nice froth that makes it look like cappuccino. yummm,:) I’m with you Z! !! Bullet proof coffee is the Bomb. Thanks for this very informative post. Ciao Bella 🙂
Private Member |
manchester, united kingdom
I personally feel Bullet Proof coffee is Nasty!! it appears Dave Aspery is out for his own Pocket and its hardly a healthy start to your day,I do prefer myself a nice herbal cup of tea on a green smoothie, yum!!