Dear Reader,
Bulletproof coffee is not only delicious, it's good for you; providing you use the right ingredients. The first of which is butter. And I mean not just any butter, but grass-fed butter. Why not just any old butter? Because grass-fed butter contains a high amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which may potentially protect against different cancers and also help the body store muscle instead of fat. Those are good reasons! But wait there's more! The bonus is the taste! Once you try it, you'll probably never go back to just any old butter. I use only Kerrygold which is a grass-fed, Irish butter. . .Yum-ee! . . .
. . .You're welcome!
The second ingredient in Bulletproof coffee is either coconut oil or MCT oil* (see note)
What's the difference?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides which are a form of saturated fatty acid and have some fantastic health benefits such as improving cognitive function and better weight management. More good reasons!
Coconut oil** (see note) is a very good source of MCTs. About 62-65 percent of the fatty acids in coconut oil is MCTs. This is what makes it a 'superfood'. But it goes without saying that MCTs are simply more pure. I might add that MCT has virtually no flavor. This makes it perfect for coffee. If you are a coffee snob like me, you don't want any funky flavors interfering with the fabulous coffee taste. And if you are not a fan of the taste of coconut, MCT oil would be a good choice for you.
For an excellent and thorough article regarding MCT oil, its numerous benefits and uses (and cautions) see Dr. Jockers fabulous article here.
There are numerous recipes out there for Bulletproof coffee. You can even purchase the entire concoction such as this one if you're not a do-it-yourself type.
But for you who are lovers of concocting, here is a simple basic recipe that I really enjoy:
* 12 ounces of your favorite hot coffee. (The amount of coffee will depend on how strong you enjoy your brew, you may, of course use more or less)
* 2 Tbsp(s) Kerrygold butter (This amount may be adjusted depending on how creamy you like your coffee)
* 1 Tbsp Coconut or MCT oil (I use this) (PLEASE read my cautionary note if using MCT oil)
Optional add-ins:
Heavy cream (if you love your coffee SUPER creamy) OR if you prefer a non-dairy milk (it will not be as creamy, but still delicious)
Cinnamon
Turmeric powder
Stevia sweetener of choice (Personal favorite: English Toffee Sweetleaf Sweet Drops)
I make different flavor blends with all sorts of spices. During the fall and winter a Pumpkin Spice or Gingerbread blend is not only delicious and healthy, but easier on the budget than the infamous lattes available for purchase. Use your imagination!
Place all your favorite ingredients into a blender. Some blenders do not do well with hot liquid because the pressure build up from the steam causes them to leak. I use this one.
I also use it for my green protein smoothies as well. It has not leaked in the year or so I have used it.
If you plan to use cream or a non-dairy option such as almond milk, this milk frother is a good option. You can froth hot or cold with this one.
Put your cream, butter and MCT oil all in the frother to the max fill line, froth it and add to your coffee. When using this option, I actually like to pour this delightful creamy mix into my mug first and then pour in the coffee. It seems to blend better in the end when you finally stir it up with a spoon. This method makes for a more simple clean up than using the blender***. (See note)
Some people use a stick type blender, but I found that to be quite messy. If you choose this method, be sure to use a very deep cup so the liquid does not spill over while blending.
When I travel; however, I use a battery operated milk frother. I use this one. As with the stick blender, you have to be careful this does not cause your brew to overflow.
Here is simplest way I have found to make bullet coffee on the road:
Brew your coffee first. While brewing, place your butter and MCT or coconut oil into a cup (be sure it will be large enough to hold your entire brew including butter and oil). Once your coffee is finished, pour only enough into the cup with butter and oil to cover. Use your frother to blend this together (taking care to not spill over). The hot coffee melts the butter and creates a delicious, creamy blend. Once blended, pour in the remainder of the coffee. Enjoy!
* Note: Regarding MCT oil (this is important, so please pay attention. Although most people are able to tolerate MCT oil very well, there are those with sensitive tummies/guts who may feel some discomfort and/or experience loose stools/diarrhea when first introducing MCT to their body. So if this is a concern for you, please begin by using 1/2 tsp a few times a day and slowly build up to 1 to 3 Tbsp daily.
**If you choose to use Coconut oil, please use an UNrefined oil and not a refined one. You always want to choose food items that have the least amount of processing. So, please when shopping for coconut oil choose a brand that is virgin, wet milled, unrefined, and organic. This will ensure you are getting a pure oil. A refined coconut oil will not be as beneficial health wise, and the key ingredients are lost in the refining process.
*** Note: A high speed blender is the best option to ensure everything blends together so that the oils do not separate and rise to sit the top of your coffee. But when you're traveling or simply don't want to bother cleaning a blender every time, the other two types of frother work just fine, though you may find that some oil does rise to the top.
Bulletproof coffee is so satiating that it keeps me full all morning. When practicing intermittent fasting (more on this in another post) this is a huge bonus.
WOO-HOO!
Thanks for reading! Ciao!
~ Barbie
P.S.
If you would like an energy boost with the antioxidant benefits of pure cacao and no caffeine, check this out! You can use this along with your coffee beans or in lieu of.
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