Butter Coffee: history and effects

Coffee is traditionally consumed alone. However, some different ways of consumption, like butter coffee may change its flavor and bring extra functions to the daily coffee.

In Brazil, for instance, coffee with milk is popularly known as “pingado”.

The combination of coffee and butter has been drawing attention. Known as butter coffee, and also as bulletproof coffee. We tell the story as mentioned at Jornal do Café, and The Perfect Daily Grind.

Coffee with butter

The name “bulletproof” was first given by David Asprey, founder of the factory of supplements Bulletproof.

According to the entrepreneur, the blend brings a series of benefits to one’s health. For instance, it stimulates fat burning, and increases the feeling of satiety, reducing the appetite.

The receipt was previously introduced in the USA in early 2000’s. It shortly gained the sympathy of fitness enthusiasts and people on low-calory diets. But the story is even older.

The history of butter coffee

Beforehand, the practice of adding fat to coffee might date back to the 9th century, in Ethiopia.

But, the current receipt is better related to a delicacy called nanyangkopi, which means “southern ocean coffee.”

It became popular in Singapore, specially by the 1930’s. There are evidences that factory workers used to have it as a quick and cheap breakfast.

Though, the receipt has some specific features. Preparation is performed by layering sweetened condensed milk into a cup. This is topped with a freshly brewed nanyang kopi base/concentrate (often strong robusta). A touch of water is added to dilute the coffee base, and a slice of unsalted butter is floated on top.

Then, the ingredients will settle down in a few seconds. The result is an intense, thick, foamy drink that almost resembles a latte.

What are the benefits for real?

Supporters assure that the receipt provides willingness and energy.

According to Anita Brodian, owner of Australian roastery Dark City Foundry, the beverage is part of her morning routine. “I drink a mug every morning and have been doing so for a few years,” she says.

In an interview to The Perfect Daily Grind, she also says it helps with satiety. “I train in the morning but cannot stomach eating before a [workout] session. It keeps me full, but I can still train, so I call that a win/win.”

However, there is still no scientific researches driving such results.

Although, Daniel Benitti, Vascular Surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, highlights that the combination affects digestion.

“Butter fat contains fatty acids, that avoid intestinal tracts infections, especially amidst children and elderly people,” he explains.

In addition, ômega-3 and ômega-6 from butter delay the body’s metabolism of caffeine. That’s to say, the effects last longer, avoiding the shock when the stimulant is over.

By these means, coffee with butter might add new flavor to one’s routine, but remember: there is no scientific confirmation of its benefits.