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Is Butter in Coffee Healthy?
Butter coffee (sometimes known as bulletproof coffee) is quickly gaining a following among low carb diet enthusiasts, as its combination of black coffee, grass-fed butter and MCT oil is said to boost energy levels, reduce appetite and promote ketosis, or the process whereby fats are burned for fuel by your body. Its popularity among this niche group of drinkers has attracted them in droves.
But is butter coffee healthy? While saturated fat may not be as detrimental as once thought, plant sources (avocados, nuts and olive oil) provide healthier sources of dietary fats than butter could do – butter adds high amounts of saturated fat which could derail an otherwise nutritious diet and while we all appreciate a delicious hot beverage in the morning it should never serve as an alternate meal replacement option.
Butter is an irresistibly tasty addition to any meal, yet too much consumption of it may lead to weight gain if consumed as a meal replacement like breakfast. Therefore, it’s essential that butter coffee be balanced with other sources of protein and fiber throughout the day for best results.
Bulletproof coffee has long been touted as an energy booster and focus booster, and may help curb appetites, aid digestion and promote weight loss. According to supporters of the beverage, sipping it first thing in the morning can also help eliminate mental fogginess from last night and promote better skin tone and complexion.
In order to achieve a cup of bulletproof coffee with optimal consistency, grass-fed, clarified butter (ghee) is your go-to ingredient. Ghee contains more milk solids and fat content than plain unsalted butter, providing three or four times more antioxidants found in coffee than regular whole milk can due to protein binding which renders catechins ineffective.
MCT oil is a popular addition to bulletproof coffee as it’s thought to promote fat burning and increase energy levels, but no scientific studies exist that support such claims. Furthermore, each cup can contain up to 450 calories so it’s wise not to replace meals with it and be mindful about your overall caloric intake.
