Bullet coffee: Celebs promote it as a ‘healthy’ beverage, but health experts highlight risks

‘I start my day with my bullet coffee’ is probably a line many of us have heard in the ‘what I eat in a day’ videos that celebs often do. Bullet coffee, or bulletproof coffee, in which butter or ghee is added, is a calorie-dense beverage believed to produce ketogenesis, which helps the body burn fat without carbohydrates. It’s also hailed as a great pre-workout drink. Usually, those who follow a ketogenic diet include this coffee in their diet for a rapid energy boost without consuming carbohydrates. However, certain health experts opine that they can have various adverse health effects. Here’s what you should know.

Why is it risky
In conversation with a prominent English daily, Delhi-based physician Dr Kamaljith Singh Kainath said the beverage isn’t recommended for diabetic patients. He said replacing a full meal with a bullet coffee could lead to weight gain, dangerous cholesterol levels and vitamin deficiency. Besides, as a drink or a beverage is not considered a proper food item, the body will lack essential nutrients if bullet coffee is not supplemented with nutrient-rich meals.

Bulletproof coffee contains few micronutrients. Although the ghee or the butter added to the coffee is good fat, it is insufficient compared to the nutrients and vitamins a healthy breakfast meal can provide. Besides, bullet coffee's unquantified amount of fat could lead to high cholesterol levels. Indians generally follow a diet rich in oil, ghee, butter and fat. So, it is better to avoid fad diets on social media that don’t have any scientific backing. Having well-balanced meals would nourish the body with essential nutrients, helping you lead a healthy life. If you have high cholesterol or diabetes, then it would be better to avoid having bulletproof coffee or enjoy it in small quantities after consulting a medical expert.

Who should have it, and how?
According to dieticians, a healthy adult can have bullet coffee occasionally. However, it’s not recommended as a daily drink, and it should also be consumed in moderation. Also, add only one teaspoon of ghee or butter to one cup or 240 ml of coffee. Also, when you prepare it, prevent oil separation and blend it well.