Adding Ghee to Your Morning Coffee Could Boost Your Energy Levels

If you’re following the latest wellness trends, you’ve probably heard about bulletproof coffee. Celebrities like Harry Styles and Shailene Woodley are fans of this “butter coffee.” It seems the days of just having a simple fair-trade brew with organic non-dairy milk or a single-origin pour-over espresso are behind us. Now, people are adding health-boosting extras to their coffee. Think about a tablespoon of collagen, adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane or chaga, or maybe it’s time you tried bulletproof coffee if you haven’t yet.

What is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is regular coffee mixed with healthy fats like organic unsalted butter, ghee (clarified butter with many benefits), or MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) from coconut oil. These fats are easy for the body to digest and turn into ketones, which provide quick energy for the brain.

This creamy and filling drink was created by American entrepreneur, author, and biohacker Dave Asprey. He developed the Bulletproof Diet, which is high in protein and fat. Asprey got the idea during a trip to Tibet, where he tried yak butter tea that locals drink before trekking at high altitudes. He felt more energetic and mentally clear, which inspired him to experiment with coffee, leading to the creation of bulletproof coffee. But can this unique blend help those of us who spend most of our time in front of a screen rather than climbing mountains?

The Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee

Experts say this creamy coffee, enriched with fats, provides quick energy without causing blood sugar spikes, which are common with carb and sugar-rich breakfasts. These spikes can leave us feeling tired and craving a mid-morning snack. Bulletproof coffee also makes you feel full, helping you avoid unhealthy morning options like croissants or continue intermittent fasting from the night before. This carb-free drink is also great for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee

• Improves concentration and mental performance
• Provides lasting energy throughout the morning
• Promotes a feeling of fullness
• Butter offers valuable vitamins A (retinol), D, and E
• Ghee is rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3, which are good for skin, immune system, gut health, and detoxification
• Coconut oil provides easily absorbed medium-chain fatty acids that offer quick energy and help reduce hunger

The Downsides

Bulletproof coffee is high in calories (around 230 per cup) and saturated fat (about 21 grams), making it unsuitable for those with high cholesterol. Also, replacing a nutritious breakfast with this caffeine and fat-heavy drink means missing out on essential nutrients and fiber. Instead of having Greek yogurt with berries, unsweetened oatmeal with fruit, almonds, seeds, and nuts, or eggs with vegetables, you start the day without the variety of nutrients your body needs.

How to Make Bulletproof Coffee

The Ketogenic Recipe:

1. Make a cup (about 240 ml) of quality coffee using your preferred method (coffee machine, mocha).
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of unsalted butter, preferably from grass-fed cows, or ghee.
3. Add 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil or organic coconut oil.
4. Mix everything in a blender until creamy, or combine ingredients in a shaker.

3 Alternative Recipes

Bulletproof Matcha:

If you prefer matcha tea over coffee, you can make bulletproof matcha by substituting matcha for coffee in the recipe.

Decaf Bulletproof Coffee:

If you want to enjoy bulletproof coffee in the evening but worry about insomnia, just use decaffeinated coffee instead.

Vegan Bulletproof Coffee:

Skip the butter and ghee. Use only MCT or coconut oil, and replace butter with cocoa butter.

When to Drink Bulletproof Coffee?

This coffee is perfect for a morning energy boost but can also be enjoyed in the mid-afternoon if you’re not too sensitive to caffeine. It helps prevent the typical energy slump of that time of day.

Tip to Make It Creamier and Tastier

Want to make your bulletproof coffee even tastier? Use an electric whisk to mix it, and you’ll get a foam similar to cappuccino foam.

Also Read:

• 5 ways to make your morning coffee a lot healthier for your body, according to a nutritionist
• Experts say you should never have a coffee when you wake up
• Sobhita Dhulipala makes her own filter coffee, and this is her special ingredient