All About MCT Oil & Bulletproof Coffee

If you follow me on Instagram , you know I’m a huge fan of Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil. I use it everyday, and even bring it with me when I travel. I use a tablespoon every morning in my coffee or matcha, and not only does it make it creamy, frothy and delicious, it helps keep me full and gives me a huge boost of energy. I’ve been getting a ton of great questions about it lately, so In figured it was time for a deep dive.

WHAT IS IT

Brain Octane Oil is made from coconut oil by extracting a specific type of fat called MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides). Without getting too science-y here, the shorter the chain of carbons on the fat molecule (triglyceride) the faster your body can absorb it and convert it to ketones (a bi-product of fat metabolism which your body can use as fuel instead of glucose). MCT metabolism is also unique because MCTs can flow straight to your liver via the portal vein, rather than traveling through the lymph system like long-chain triglycerides. This direct route to the liver means your body can convert MCTs to ketones much faster, resulting in a fast available energy source for your body and your brain. 

WHY I LOVE IT

ENERGY.

Nothing lights up my brain and gives me energy like a Bulletproof coffee. This goes back to how MCTs are quickly and easily converted into ketones, which serve as a great energy source for your brain. If I’m not doing a fully fasted workout, I’ll have some Brain Octane Oil before in coffee or matcha and it also serves as a great pre-workout. The fat in the coffee also helps to avoid the jitters that can come with drinking caffeine on an empty stomach, and gives me a smooth energy without a crash.

KEEPS ME FULL.

Studies have shown MCTs are even better at improving satiety (keeping people full) than long-chain triglycerides and coconut oil. I know from my daily intake of MCT oil that on days I don’t have it, I’m hungry for lunch sooner, and craving more carbohydrates. A Bulletproof coffee or matcha in the morning with Brain Octane (even without ghee) turns off my hunger for at least a couple hours.

FAT BURNING.

Studies have shown that MCTs are more effective in weight and fat loss than long-chain fatty acids (even better than olive oil!). This again goes back to the fact that MCTs are rapidly converted to ketones to be used for energy, so are much less likely to be stored as fat. By raising your ketone levels, MCTs help you get into a ketogenic (fat burning) state. Since adding MCT oil to my diet, I’ve definitely noticed the fat-burning benefits, especially in helping to lean out my stomach.

WHY I TRUST BULLETPROOF’S MCT OIL

Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil is made 100% from coconut oil, while many other MCT’s are made from palm oil. If you know anything about palm oil, you’ve likely heard how destructive it is to the environment, and especially to orangutans , so I always avoid it. Brain Octane Oil is also made entirely of caprylic acid (C8) which is the type of MCT known to be the most effective at raising ketones, while minimizing digestive upset. Many MCT oil brands contain caproic acid (c6) which converts well to ketones but can cause digestive issues even in small doses.

MY BULLETPROOF COFFEE RECIPE

• 8-12oz hot brewed coffee (I always use Bulletproof’s Ground Coffee or Four Sigmatic’s Lion’s Mane coffee)
• 1/2 – 1 tbsp Brain Octane Oil*
• (Optional) 1/2 tbsp ghee** (Always choose grass-fed – I use Fourth & Heart)
• A couple drops stevia (I use Sweet Leaf Liquid Stevia)

Blend all ingredients on high for about 30 seconds and enjoy! *If you are new to Brain Octane Oil or MCT oil in general, ALWAYS start with 1 tsp and work your way up to 1 tbsp slowly to avoid an upset stomach. **I don’t always add ghee.

The real bulletproof coffee recipe calls for 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter. Because I’m dairy-free, I use ghee, which is clarified butter, meaning the lactose is removed, so I can tolerate it. I think the ghee/butter is great if you are doing intermittent fasting, but I’m typically eating breakfast within an hour or two of having my bulletproof, so I usually don’t add the extra fat.