The coffee phenomenon in this country does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With a new major coffee chain popping up on every street corner, Americans are now more caffeinated than ever before (1). Even people who are cautious with caffeine intake might find it tempting to indulge in a hot dark roast midday.
So it is unsurprising that there is a new, coffee-related health trend on the rise: butter coffee. People have indeed started putting butter in their brew, as according to an ancient tea tradition – and you will be amazed by the reasons why. Feel free to join in on the trend yourself! Just make sure to use organic, grass-fed butter, so as to truly reap the health benefits of this practice.
5 Reasons to Put Butter in your Coffee
1. Cardiovascular Boost
Grass-fed butter is one of the best sources for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease (4). These good fats could help regulate cholesterol and can help reduce high blood pressure.
2. Brain Food
The same omega fatty acids in grass-fed butter which can help heart health also help create new cell membranes in the brain and support the renewal of vital brain pathways (5).
The short-chain fatty acid butyrate in grass-fed butter has also been linked to preventing neurodegenerative diseases (6) and is an excellent anti-inflammatory substance that can prevent serious blood clots or hemorrhage in the brain (7).
3. Weight Loss
Conjugated linoleic acid in grass-fed butter has been found to help reduce body fat mass, especially in overweight individuals (9). The butyrate content in this butter can also increase a person’s energy expenditure, further enabling rapid fat burn (9).
4. Energy Boost
Butter coffee is also referred to as “bulletproof” coffee, and for good reason: It will give keep you energized and increase your cognitive function without the usual caffeine crash (8). This amped-up drink can also help produce ketones, which are created when your body produces energy from fat, rather than carbohydrates (8).
5. Meal in a Mug
According to fans of butter coffee, just two tablespoons of butter in your coffee may serve as an acceptable meal replacement. The essential fats and calories in this creamy coffee could prove to be more energizing and satiating than carbohydrate sources, like oatmeal.
The Verdict
If you’re looking to improve brain function and energy levels by sprucing up your morning cup of coffee, butter just might do the trick. Find more balanced approaches to boosting your energy and health here.
Sources:
- Perez, M. (2017). Java Junkies in U.S. Driving Global Coffee Demand to Record. [online] Bloomberg.com. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-30/java-junkies-in-u-s-driving-global-coffee-consumption-to-record [Accessed 8 Nov. 2017].
- Elaine, L. (2017). Why Wellness Experts Are Putting Butter In Their Coffee. [online] Prevention. Available at: https://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/why-wellness-experts-are-putting-butter-their-coffee [Accessed 8 Nov. 2017].
- Bajaj, K. (2017). Bulletproof Coffee Recipe. [online] Dr Frank Lipman. Available at: https://www.bewell.com/blog/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/ [Accessed 8 Nov. 2017].
- Siscovick, D., Barringer, T., Fretts, A., Wu, J., Lichtenstein, A., Costello, R., Kris-Etherton, P., Jacobson, T., Engler, M., Alger, H., Appel, L. and Mozaffarian, D. (2017). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Fish Oil) Supplementation and the Prevention of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation, 135(15), pp.e867-e884.
- Kamphuis, M., Lejeune, M., Saris, W. and Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2003). Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation after weight loss on appetite and food intake in overweight subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 57(10), pp.1268-1274.
- Schoeller, D., Watras, A. and Whigham, L. (2009). A meta-analysis of the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on fat-free mass in humans. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 34(5), pp.975-978.
- Canani, R. B., Costanzo, M. D., Leone, L., Pedata, M., Meli, R., & Calignano, A. (2011). Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, 17(12), 1519–1528. http://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1519
- Murray, A. J., Knight, N. S., Cole, M. A., Cochlin, L. E., Carter, E., Tchabanenko, K., … Clarke, K. (2016). Novel ketone diet enhances physical and cognitive performance. The FASEB Journal, 30(12), 4021–4032. http://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201600773R
- Kamphuis, M., Lejeune, M., Saris, W. and Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2003). Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation after weight loss on appetite and food intake in overweight subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 57(10), pp.1268-1274.
