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Butter in coffee to lose weight: That’s what “Bulletproof Coffee” promises. But is the Tibetan tea-centric trend working?
Kassel – Weight loss tips are a dime a dozen. There are regularly new methods designed to shed unwanted pounds in the shortest possible time. The latest trend: butter in coffee.
The recipe, which is unusual at first glance, is called “Bulletproof Coffee”. Creator is “biohacker” and tech entrepreneur Dave Asprey. His idea combines low-mold coffee beans with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (grass-fed, with more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins) and 2 tablespoons of medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT), a type of easily digestible fat. It is said that a cup of coffee instead of a “classic” breakfast suppresses hunger, thereby helping to lose weight – and also ensures mental clarity.
“Bulletproof Coffee”: not only helps with weight loss, but also ensures a clear head
Asprey came up with the idea while hiking in Tibet. The “Bulletproof Coffee” is therefore based on yak butter tea, as the New York Times writes. Meanwhile, the trend has also arrived in Germany. But what about the caffeinated wonder drug that not only helps you lose weight, but also stimulates peak mental performance?
At least those who are used to caffeine do not experience an unlimited energy boost, as the Association of Independent Health Advisors (UGB) writes. But there is also a positive effect: Instead, the caffeine in “Bulletproof Coffee” has a longer effect than with classic filter coffee because the additional fat slows down the absorption of caffeine in the body. However, to what extent one can speak of “spiritual clarity”, everyone must decide for themselves.
| Ingredients for a Bulletproof Coffee: | |
| Coffee made from low-form beans: | 200 ml |
| MCT oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Grass-fed butter | 2 tablespoons |
“Bulletproof Coffee”: a miracle drug that is said to help with weight loss
But what about losing weight? Asprey claims to have lost 100 pounds in 10 years with his coffee creation. However, it is doubtful that he managed it alone with his Tibetan silver bullet. After all, a cup of bulletproof coffee already has 82 calories more than a regular cup of coffee.
Asprey believes butter’s special fats and medium chain fatty acids help with weight loss. They are considered to be slightly appetite-inhibiting and low in calories, as the UGB writes. In addition, the body metabolizes the medium chain fats faster.
According to studies, “Bulletproof Coffee” helps you lose weight – but only in the short term
According to UGB, studies confirm these benefits. Overweight people lost more weight and stayed full longer than a comparison group that ate normal fat. But only in the first two weeks – after that the effect slowly but significantly decreased. The body gets used to the changed conditions. And finally, the total calorie savings are small.
Another problem: In nature, the MCTs are only found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and in small amounts in milk fat. The human digestive tract is therefore not used to digesting large amounts of medium chain fats. This can result in abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, the body is also adaptable here: the studies show that after a few days you get used to the increased MCT intake and the intolerance reactions also decrease. The Atkins diet is trusted by many who want to lose weight. But is the low-carb diet healthy? (pron)
Editor’s note
The tricks and information mentioned in this article cannot replace a healthy and balanced diet. Use our nutrition tips only as a supplement to an otherwise varied and healthy diet. The information in no way replaces professional advice and is not intended for independent diagnosis or treatment.