Coffee has always been a favorite Indian beverage. Be it a morning drink or an evening one, sipping a mug of piping hot coffee or a delicious cold coffee can solve many things including few health issues.
Coffee in any form is beneficial to the body, but to get the maximum benefits we need to pay attention to how we consume it.
Bullet coffee comprises freshly brewed coffee, unsalted butter and MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, often derived from coconut oil. This high-fat, low-carb beverage is popular in the ketogenic and intermittent fasting communities because it provides sustained energy and promotes mental clarity without spiking blood sugar levels.
Unlike bullet coffee, regular coffee is often consumed plain with water. Regular coffee is rich in antioxidants, particularly chlorogenic acids, and is known to reduce the risk of liver diseases, including fatty liver.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology found that “coffee intake more than 2 cups per day in patients with preexisting liver disease has been shown to be associated with lower incidence of fibrosis and cirrhosis, lower hepatocellular carcinoma rates, as well as decreased mortality.”
Regular or bullet coffee: Which is healthier for the liver?
Since bullet coffee is low in carbs and high in fats, it helps the body enter ketosis (a fat-burning state), which may reduce liver fat in those following a ketogenic diet. Unlike flavored coffee drinks, bullet coffee doesn’t contain added sugars, which are a major contributor to fatty liver disease.
However, bullet coffee is high in calories. A cup of this coffee contains 200-400 calories, which may contribute to weight gain and obesity is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease. Not just this, excessive saturated fat intake (from butter and MCT oil) may strain the liver, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. If you make bullet coffee a part of your breakfast routine, it may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support liver function.
Regular coffee is a better choice if liver health is your concern. Do not add sugar or milk for maximum benefits. Its high antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to improve liver enzyme levels make it a good option for supporting liver function.
Word of caution
If you drink coffee regularly, follow these precautions to protect your health:
- Stick to 2-4 cups per day to avoid excessive caffeine consumption, which may cause anxiety, insomnia, or digestive issues.
- Coffee is a diuretic, so drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Excess sugar and artificial creamers can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues.
- Excessive coffee with added fats (like bullet coffee) may strain the liver.
- If you experience jitters or palpitations, switch to decaf or reduce intake.