After traveling to Tibet in 2004 and tasting yak butter tea, American businessman and author Dave Asprey returned to his country to plan to manufacture a coffee drink with butter and start selling it in 2012 under the name Bulletproof.
To be widely popular throughout the United States and the world, especially among followers of the "keto diet".
The original recipe for each cup of this coffee, as described on her blog, consisted of;
of freshly ground coffee beans, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter;
Blend in a blender for at least 20-30 seconds to get a creamy latte-like coffee, and serve warm.
Because it was a relatively new product, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet evaluated it.
But Medical News Today reported in 2018 that people who drink it say it keeps them energized throughout the day, makes them feel full for longer, and enhances their ability to focus, in addition to its weight loss benefit, for those who follow a low-fat diet. carbohydrates.
This makes us put the evidence on the potential benefits and harms of this coffee recipe in the hands of those who think about trying it.
Not the best for everyone
The "Medical News Today" website returned and warned that "butter coffee may not be the best for everyone, as it contains a very high percentage of saturated fats, up to 85%."
It is known that excessive intake of saturated fats may harm health in the long run due to high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.
This is based on the American Heart Association’s warning that “per capita consumption should not exceed 13 grams of saturated fat per day,” while butter coffee includes two tablespoons of butter, which contain 14 grams of saturated fat (a tablespoon of unsalted butter contains about 7 grams of saturated fat), which exceeds the allowable limit, unlike what one might eat from other foods that contain saturated fats.
Nutrition experts do not recommend coffee with butter because it gives extra calories and extra fat without any nutritional value (Shutterstock)
Not a substitute for breakfast
Asprey, "48 and hoping to live to be 180," who has so far spent $1 million maintaining a rigorous exercise regimen;
After his health deteriorated, and he weighed about 136 kilograms in 2004, he promoted the idea that butter coffee is a substitute for breakfast.
However, Healthline stated, "It does not include enough nutrients for the most important meal of the day";
They do not contain carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and most vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
The American Academy of Nutrition also recommends the inclusion of carbohydrates, protein, fruits or vegetables in breakfast, and this makes butter coffee an unbalanced way to start your day, as it is likely to add to breakfast more unnecessary calories, and some people remain hungry during the morning, If they don't eat breakfast.
In addition, butter coffee contains a large amount of cholesterol, and the high amount of fat in it can cause stomach disorders and other digestive problems, such as bloating and diarrhea, especially for those who are not used to consuming large amounts of fat.
Not enough to lose weight
Proponents of butter coffee believe that it suppresses hunger and contributes to weight loss, "by helping to eat less food because it contains more fat, which slows digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness."
However, the studies that Healthline relied on stated that “these effects diminish over time,” and that there is no evidence that adding more fat to the diet without making other dietary changes can promote weight loss.
This means that butter coffee enhancing satiety and aiding weight loss, when used in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet, "may need further research".
Butter coffee lovers believe that it provides stable and long-term energy without a crash in blood sugar (Pixaby)
Their effect on energy and focus is minimal
Butter coffee aficionados say it "provides steady, long-lasting energy, without the blood sugar crash";
On the basis that fat slows digestion, and that the caffeine in coffee may continue its effect, due to its slower absorption, providing long-lasting energy, but experts say that "this effect is likely to be small and not noticeable."
As for the belief that butter coffee “enhances mental clarity and improves cognitive function,” there is no evidence for it, but on the other hand, there is evidence indicating that “the caffeine in coffee itself is responsible for producing the effect imagined by increasing mental focus and alertness.”
The controversy continues
Butter coffee "Bulletproof", which sold 160 million cups in 7 years, is still facing criticism from health professionals, who say that adding butter to coffee is unhealthy.
"I do not recommend this coffee because it gives extra calories and excess fat without any nutritional value," says British certified nutritionist Aisling Piggott. "There is no benefit in adding butter to your coffee, as there is no protein, vitamins, or minerals in it."
Other experts believe that "drinking butter coffee in moderation is not harmful, especially for those who follow a low-carbohydrate diet," and it may also be beneficial for health.
It contains important nutrients such as vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy skin, immunity and good vision, but adding a lot of saturated fat to it is what may harm health, over time.
They add that "having a cup of butter coffee with a healthy breakfast from time to time may not be harmful to health in general if the amount of butter and oil added to the drink is reduced, to reduce saturated fat."