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Many people add multi-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coffee, whether from MCT oil or coconut oil. “Bulletproof” coffee prepared in this manner purportedly helps increase concentration. This kind of coffee is also favored by people on a ketogenic diet as it allows them to absorb beneficial MCTs. The body then turns these multi-chain fatty acids into ketones that serve as quick sources of energy and help delay the feeling of hunger.

But a study performed in 2019 found that adding MCT oil or coconut oil in coffee was unnecessary: The brew alone was suitable enough for keto dieters. Researchers gave 10 college-aged men coffee with no MCT oil, coffee with 28 grams of oil and coffee with 42 grams of oil. Blood samples were taken from the participants. The scientists then measured the participants’ ketone, cholesterol, insulin and oxidative stress levels.

Participants in all three groups reported higher ketone levels and decreased insulin levels. However, the researchers noticed that those who drank coffee with 42 grams of MCT oil had higher oxidative stress markers. The group who consumed coffee with 28 grams of MCT oil did not register the same markers. The study posited that adding MCT oil to a cup of coffee did not impact health, but excessive amounts of MCT oil appeared to increase oxidative stress.

Despite the study’s results, putting MCT oil in your coffee still yields positive health benefits. But you should be wary of how much you put in as excessive amounts of MCT may negatively impact your oxidative stress levels. Furthermore, the caffeine in your brew may be sufficient in enabling your body to reach a state of ketosis.

The findings of a 2016 study appear to support the second point. A group of Canadian scientists gave 10 healthy adults two doses of caffeine during their breakfast and discovered that it stimulated the production of ketones depending on the amount consumed.

If you insist on making your coffee “bulletproof” by adding MCT oil, it is best to follow a less-is-more approach. Ideally, you should be wary of the amount of oil you put in your cup. If you plan on buying ready-to-drink bulletproof coffee, you should also scrutinize the amount of oil before you try it out.

Can you “bulletproof” other drinks?

The practice of adding MCTs to coffee is a common practice done by people taking a ketogenic diet. In a keto diet, the body aims to reach the state of ketosis – where it uses stored fats as energy sources instead of glucose from the food we eat. A sure sign that the body has achieved ketosis is when the blood registers high levels of the ketone D-beta-hydroxybutyrate.

MCT oil makes ketosis possible because of its medium-chain fatty acid content. The body immediately taps these MCTs as sources of energy by converting them to ketones. Aside from serving as easy sources of energy, ketones suppress the production of ghrelin – the hormone responsible for making us hungry.

On the other hand, other non-caffeinated beverages can also be made bulletproof. Here are two alternative recipes you can try out if you’re not a fan of coffee.

“Bulletproof” turmeric golden milk recipe

Ingredients for 1 serving:

• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, cashew or coconut)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted and grass-fed) or ghee
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or MCT oil
• 1 teaspoon raw manuka honey
• a pinch of ginger
• a pinch of cinnamon
• a pinch of black pepper

Preparation:

1. Heat the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat until it begins to steam.
2. Add in the turmeric, honey and the spices. Stir until combined.
3. Transfer the spiced milk to a blender, then add the butter/ghee and the MCT oil/coconut oil.
4. Blend on high speed until frothy.
5. Pour into a mug, and sprinkle more cinnamon or turmeric on top depending on your preference.

“Bulletproof” hot chocolate recipe

Ingredients for 1 serving:

• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, cashew or coconut)
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted and grass-fed) or ghee
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or MCT oil
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract, or seeds from a whole vanilla bean (if available)
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• a pinch of Himalayan pink salt
• coconut whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

1. Heat the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat until it begins to steam.
2. Add in the cacao power, pink salt, vanilla extract/seeds, cinnamon and maple syrup. Stir until combined.
3. Transfer the cocoa mixture to a blender, then add the butter/ghee and the MCT oil/coconut oil.
4. Blend on high speed until frothy.
5. Pour into a mug, and top with coconut whipped cream if desired.

Whether consumed together or by themselves, coffee and MCT oil definitely contribute to overall wellness!

Visit SuperFoodsNews.com and find out the wonders of coffee and MCT oil!

Sources:

CDNSciencePub.com 1

CDNSciencePub.com 2

MindBodyGreen.com

EcoWatch.com

MindBodyGreen.com 2