“But I thought butter was bad for you?”

The above quote was blurted out by my editor when I first told him about this piece. It’s common knowledge that butter contains high levels of cholesterol and the all too dreaded fat. Given, these are all true, but what’s not so common is that depending on the source, butter can actually bring up your healthy cholesterol levels (HDL’s, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol) as well as your good fats, which in turn helps you burn fat. Now that we’ve got that covered, put it in your coffee! Okay, let me explain…

David Asprey, self proclaimed  biohacker and inventor of “Bullet Proof Coffee”,  had a Eureka moment on his last adventure. While climbing Mt. Kailash in Tibet, he was given a cup of tea with yak butter that rejuvenated him in a way he had never experienced before. He knew the tibetan people were onto something, but what?

After returning home and tinkering with the recipe, he discovered that the combination of grass fed butter, MCT oil (often found in coconut oil), and high quality coffee, made for an elixir that improved cognitive functioning, energy, fat loss, and increased HDL’s.

The science behind bulletproof coffee is this; it’s proven across the board that caffeine helps boost your metabolism and increase mental functioning and clarity. Combining it with MCT fats (medium-chain triglyceride, a unique type of fat molecule with a medium-length carbon chain 6 to 12 carbons) enhances the effect of caffeine as well as helping the human body burn fat. Medium chain fats, unlike most fats consumed on a western diet, have a smaller carbon chain of 6 to 12 molecules, making them easier to break down. When your body breaks down these triglycerides for energy it releases the “fatty acids” stored in your cells used for energy. Asprey also claims that our body actually runs better on these types of fat other than high protein or carbs as previously thought. MCT’s are most commonly found in butter, coconut oil, and palm oil

But enough science, how does it taste? Contrary to popular belief this unlikely pair live in blissful flavor harmony. While Aspery’s own bulletproof coffee has come under much scrutiny for it’s high prices and horrible taste, people who use their own coffee say it tastes treat and gives them a steady buzz that lasts all day.

While the buttery coffee seems to be getting high marks, always remember to use everything in moderation. If you’re going to put butter in your coffee keep track of your fat content for the rest of the day and always make sure to seek regular check ups with your physician

Check out the recipe below and tell us what you think.

To make Bulletproof Coffee, you mix the following in a blender:

• 2 cups of coffee (he wants you to buy his trademarked brand, of course)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT oil (ditto)
• 2+ tablespoons of grass-fed, unsalted butter

Is coffee apart of your diet?

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