Most people enjoy a hot cup of coffee or several to give their body a boost of energy from the caffeine. But coffee lovers everywhere have discovered a new beverage designed to increase energy and health. Bulletproof Coffee is more than just coffee, it’s a brain-boosting beverage that many people use to start their day off with a kick and keep their brain active all-day long.
If you’re overwhelmed with guilt because traditional coffee is your guilty pleasure, take heart. We’re going to detail the health benefits of Bulletproof Coffee as well as tips and recipes to help you love your coffee and be guilt-free!
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Biohacker and founder, Dave Asprey, believes each person has limitless energy and desire to help them that is biologically blocked but can be reprogrammed to morph you into your own superhero. To that end, he founded Bulletproof Nutrition, Inc. in 2014 and created Bulletproof coffee, a high-performance beverage, as part of his Bulletproof product line. For more information on how to use Bulletproof Coffee, you can read his book called “The Bulletproof Diet”.
Bulletproof coffee is made from quality coffee beans marketed and sold by an environmentally conscious company committed to products that are ethically sourced. For those who fear their beloved coffee is a guilty pleasure without health benefits, Bulletproof Coffee lets you have your coffee and be healthy too.
Key Elements of Bulletproof Coffee
Coffee
This is the foundation of the Bulletproof Coffee (BPC) drink. BPC provides an energy boost and contains antioxidants that help to flush toxins from the body. It also contains minerals to help supplement your diet. The grind of the coffee beans, the brewing method, and other factors can affect the quality of your final beverage. Many people use Bulletproof Brand Coffee beans, but you can use any organic, high-quality coffee beans you prefer.
Brain octane oil or MCT Oil
This is the key to Bulletproof Coffee. Medium chain triglycerides are a type of fat which digest easier and help your body absorb nutrients faster from the food you eat. The antimicrobial properties of MCT oil are beneficial for your digestive system and help to reduce cravings and suppress appetite.
Grass-fed ghee or unsalted butter
Although it may seem counterproductive to talk about a diet that contains butter, using grass-fed ghee or grass-fed unsalted butter will actually help promote brain power. This type of butter contains Omega-6 and Omega-3, healthy fatty acids. Adding pure fat to your coffee boosts cognitive function and other mental abilities.
Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee
- Boosts cognitive function and energy
- Kicks off ketosis
- Suppresses food cravings
- Nutrient-Dense beverage
- Increases mental clarity
- No caffeine jitters or crashes
- Quick, easy breakfast
Who Uses Bulletproof Coffee?
- Busy parents
- Driven career professionals
- Committed athletes
- Ketosis Diet Participants
Tips for Bulletproof Coffee
- Start with the freshest coffee beans.
- Used brewed coffee that is free of mold
- Use quality unsalted butter, yellow in color, from grass-fed cows for best results.
- Blend with a full power blender rather than mixing with a spoon for best results.
- Look for a layer of foam which indicates fresh ground coffee beans.
- Pre-heat the blender with hot water to avoid cooling your drink when you blend it.
- If when using a French Press to make Bulletproof Coffee, the plunger is difficult to press down, your coffee beans are ground too fine. Try a coarser grind.
- When using Brain Octane oil, start with 1 teaspoon and increase gradually as your body becomes accustomed to it.
Ingredients to Boost the Function and Flavor of Bulletproof Coffee
Protein powder
Protein powder such as Isopure Cookies and Cream can be added to help emulsify the fat into the coffee and reduce the oiliness of the beverage.
Grape Seed
Grape Seed Extract has been known to improve poor circulation, lower cholesterol, and help to reduce swelling from injuries. Grape seed extract contains antioxidants and may work to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy for cancer patients. GSE may also work as an anticoagulant, especially when used with other blood-thinners so consult your physician before adding this to your Bulletproof Coffee.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen Peptides are used to help improve hair, nail, and skin health, boost energy and metabolism. It can also enhance liver health by aiding in toxin disposal and aid in cardiovascular health. Collagen peptides are more easily absorbed by the body than collagen which is why they make a great addition to your Bulletproof Coffee.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only adds great taste, but cinnamon is a spice that is a great source of antioxidants that positively impact digestion, immunity, blood sugar levels, and more. Cinnamon has beneficial anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help with a wide range of illnesses and disease.
Bilberry
Bilberry is native to Northern Europe, Asia, and certain areas of North America. They are a relative of true blueberries which are native to the U.S. Bilberry is a good addition to your Bulletproof Coffee to aid in cognitive function, vision, blood flow and cardiovascular health. Bilberry has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can aid in the treatment of a wide variety of health issues from diarrhea to cancer.
Caramel Syrup
Caramel Syrup (sugar-free) adds a bit of sweetness and pairs very nicely with the buttery flavor.
Egg Yolks
Egg Yolks are a great source of vitamins including Vitamin D, E, K and Vitamin A as well as B12 and B6 Vitamins. They also contain minerals like zinc and calcium and are rich in cholesterol which boosts your mood. They are also a source of omega-3 DHA and other essential fatty acids your body needs. The lecithin in egg yolks is good for skin, brain, and liver health. In addition, egg yolks give your Bulletproof Coffee a smooth creamy texture.
Turmeric
Turmeric which contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. For those who don’t necessarily savor the taste of coffee, turmeric can help minimize the “coffee” taste.
Ginger
Ginger is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and can ease nausea. For coffee drinkers with a sensitive palette or stomach, adding ginger and turmeric to your Bulletproof coffee can make it a significantly more enjoyable beverage.
Cayenne
Cayenne has many health benefits but when added to Bulletproof Coffee, it works with MCTs for thermogenesis. It is a member of the nightshade plant family, so monitor use and effects carefully to be sure it’s benefiting you.
Blueberry Powder
Blueberry Powder aids brain function.
Cocoa Powder
High-Quality Cocoa Powder has polyphenols which include micronutrients that may help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 which is great for bones
MACA
MACA is a root vegetable used for hundreds of decades to boost energy levels and aid in memory and mood enhancement. It can also help to balance hormone levels, boost libido, and improve sexual health.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon is known as the “true cinnamon”. It reduces blood sugar, lowers risk factors for heart disease and has additional health benefits. It adds a wonderful warm sweet taste to your Bulletproof Coffee.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine works well with caffeine in that it reduces some of the negative side effects of caffeine while boosting the good ones. L-Theanine is also an amino acid known to increase brain waves.
Stevia Drops
Stevia Drops are frequently used to add sweetness to Bulletproof Coffee recipes. Stevia is a keto-friendly artificial sweetener that transforms your cup of coffee into a soothing dessert beverage.
Torani syrups
Sugar-Free Torani syrups which use sucralose can be used to add sweetness.
Coconut milk or Almond Milk
Coconut milk or Almond Milk makes a great flavor addition to any Bulletproof Coffee recipe. Coconut milk aids in the prevention of fatigue lower cholesterol and blood pressure prevents anemia and improves digestion. Almond milk helps strengthen bones, reduce heart disease risks, and is high in Vitamin D.
Vanilla
Vanilla essence is a great additive for Bulletproof Coffee because it not only adds a wonderful flavor, but it is known to enhance cognitive function.
Pink Sea Salt
Pink Sea Salt is used to increase hydration and regulate the internal and external water content of cells. It can help to strengthen bones, balance electrolytes, balance pH levels, help metabolism function, and increase nutrient absorption. It’s been known to help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and aid in eliminating sediment for toxin removal.
Best Recipes for Bulletproof Coffee
Recipes for Bulletproof coffee vary widely. Once you have mastered the basic recipe for Bulletproof Coffee, experiment with different ingredients to boost the flavor and/or the functionality of your coffee to suit your taste and health needs.
Official Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
- Bulletproof coffee beans (2 ½ tablespoons heaping)
- Brain Octane Oil (as tolerated 1 tsp to 2 tbsp)
- Grass-fed Ghee or unsalted butter (1-2 tbsp)
Directions
Brew 8-12 ounces of coffee using filtered water and the French Press method. Do not use a paper filter as it can filter out the beneficial oils in the coffee. Add brain octane oil and grass-fed ghee or unsalted butter. Blend until foamy on top. Bulletproof approved sweeteners include erythritol, stevia, or xylitol.
Egg Yolk Bulletproof Coffee
- High-quality organic coffee (8-12 ounces)
- MCT Oil (1 tsp to 2 tbsp as tolerated)
- 2-3 egg yolks (ideally organic and from cage-free chickens)
- Pink Himalayan sea salt (pinch)
- Sugar or preferred sweetener (1 tsp)
Directions
Use the French Press or your preferred brewing method. Let coffee steep 3 minutes and combine in a blender with egg yolks. Add salt and sweetener and blend. For a thicker beverage add more egg yolk.
BPC plus Collagen Peptides
- High quality fresh brewed coffee (8-12 ounces)
- MCT Oil (as tolerated 1 tsp to 2 tbsp)
- Grass-fed ghee or unsalted butter (2 tbsp)
- Collagen Peptides (1-2 tbsp)
Directions
Brew coffee and add MCT oil, butter or ghee, and blend. Add collagen peptides after blending and blend 10-20 seconds more. This recipe is a great boost of protein and it’s good for digestive and skin issues. It can also reduce inflammation.
Things to Avoid Adding to Bulletproof Coffee
- Raw cream
- Kale
- Soy Milk
- Bacon Grease
- Whey Protein
- Casein Protein
Brewing Methods for Bulletproof Coffee
Pour Over Coffee
Pour Over Coffee is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to brew Bulletproof Coffee. Grind your coffee to a coarseness similar to sugar granules. You need to be able to heat the water to around 197 degrees Fahrenheit. Grind the coffee and add it to a metal filter over your coffee pot and then simply pour the hot water gradually in tiny circles over the ground beans.
French Press
French Press is a method using a device patented by two Italian designers in the early 1900’s. The French Press does not use a paper filter and can only be used with beans that are medium coarse ground. The mesh filter is on the top and takes a gentle pressure. The process for cleaning the French Press is a bit messier than with other methods because you must remove the wet grounds.
AeroPress
AeroPress Method pioneered by Alan Adler who was inspired by his desire to make a good cup of coffee just one cup at a time. The first AeroPress coffee maker was revealed late in 2005 at a Coffee Fest in Seattle. It’s a much quicker process than the French Press method and works with fine or coarsely ground beans. The Aeropress method of brewing is typically less acidic and gentler on sensitive stomachs.
No matter which brewing method you choose, pay attention to the quality and the grind of your coffee beans. Experiment with other ingredients for flavor and function until you end up with the best bulletproof coffee recipe for you.