Smell that coffee… mmmm!
Why I’m a fan of Bulletproof coffee! I wake up around 4:50 am to the sound of my automatic Cuisinart coffee maker grinding fresh Upgraded coffee beans into the filter for a delicious fresh brew. There is nothing better than rubbing your eyes, rolling out of bed, and padding across the cool hardwood to the kitchen as the amazing aroma of fresh brewed coffee fills the air. Those pre-dawn hours are my absolute most productive and favorite time of day!
I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve learned along the way for how to maximize the health benefits of your coffee. I’m proud to say that I enjoy Upgraded beans because I can literally feel the difference in my mental clarity when I drink it instead of non-organic, pesticide laden, mycotoxin filled alternatives like Starbucks (oh, yes you heard me, right!). While many of you may not be environmentally sensitive to chemicals like I am, you should really give it a try as the brain power you get from a cup of the really pure stuff will blow your mind!
Travel Tips?
And when I travel I take along Upgraded coffee cartridges, empty one into a 16oz cup, and pour boiling hot water over it for an instant “french press” brew. After letting it steep for 2-3 minutes, I pour the brewed coffee out into a new cup careful to leave the grinds in the old one and viola!… delicious amazing, mycotoxin-free coffee anytime, anywhere. Last time I was in an airport asking for a large glass of hot water, the man on the barstool next to me asked if I was performing a science experiment!? Haha! I just smiled and said, “yes”. It didn’t help that I dug in my purse and pulled out my travel vial of SweetLeaf English toffee stevia drops and a few shakes from a purse-size organic cinnamon powder which I also carry with me at all times. I’ve become accustomed to the funny looks I get and I really don’t even care 😉
My not-so-dirty little secret for amazing brain power at 5am!
Let me share with you my secret for 5am productivity like you’ve never experienced before. After brewing a pot of this delicious black velvet, I add in a few little “brain helpers”. I was having coffee with a friend today and telling her about it so I thought I would write a blog and share with you, too. You can get the Dave Asprey’s original Bulletproof Coffee Recipe here but here is my version:
Dr. Jill’s 5am Brain-Power Brew
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- Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup full-fat organic unsweetened coconut milk into your favorite mug
- Add fresh-brewed, hot Bulletproof coffee leaving 1/4 inch from top of mug
- Add 5 drops of Sweet Leaf English Toffee or Vanilla stevia (if you like a carmel or vanilla “latte” flavor)
- Add 1 teaspoon of Upgraded Brain Octane Oil
- Generously sprinkle organic cinnamon powder into your coffee
- Add 1 scoop of Upgraded Collagen Powder and stir! (you won’t believe what the collagen will do for you joints and skin… truly amazing!)
- If you like it frothy, you can whip it all up in a blender with heat-safe blades, but I just drink mine as is.
- If I’m feeling a little more adventurous, I’ll might add a tablespoon of toasted organic shredded coconut in, too
A few cool facts about coffee
- Chronic coffee consumption may alter your gut microbes and is associated with lower body weight and lower percent body fat.
- This article discusses benefits of polyphenols, especially from coffee and cocoa, on your gut microbiome.
- The bioactive components in coffee may have synergistic effects on brain cognition.
- In this study, coffee decreased boredom and fatigue associated with repetitive tasks.
- Caffeine intake associated with improved working memory in middle aged males.
I am trying it! Nice blog! Do you not use the butter?
Hi Mark,
I love the original bulletproof recipe with organic grass-fed butter or ghee, but I prefer the taste with MCT alone so it’s just a personal preference… Do try it with butter!
Warmly
Dr Jill
I usually drink instant coffee…..what do you recommend for that? (As far as coffee brand) I drink instant because I have control of how strong I make the coffee for myself. (others like it stronger)
Thank you. 🙂
Hi Caryn,
I do not recommend instant coffee at all. There is a high cross reactivity for patients with gluten intolerance, quality is poor, and it’s often loaded with mycotoxins. I recommend avoiding all instant brands and instead brewing organic fresh ground beans to minimize toxic exposure.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Thank you Dr. Carnahan. I appreciate your time for the feedback. I will listen and adhear to your advice.
We drink organic instant coffee. Is that not good for you?
Thank you
Hi Marie,
Due to the heavy processing and higher cross-reactivity to those who are gluten-sensitive, and higher likelihood of mold growth after the beans are ground, I do not recommend instant coffee.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Marie,
I prefer fresh ground beans as instant can get stale easier and also more likely to contain mold.
warmly
Dr Jill
I see the collagen protein is hydrolyzed, I didn’t think we were to consume such proteins?? I know you are careful about your intake, so this was confusing to me. Any thoughts??
It is impossible to absorb the intact collagen fibers in the gut if not hydrolyzed or broken down so that the body can use it…
Please give the amino acid profile of the upgraded collegen? Thank you. Irene
Here is link to Upgraded Collagen, Irene. You’ll have to contact the manufacturer…
This is a request to which I will be grateful for an answer. I have a precious sister who would greatly benefit from a functional medical doctor in the Houston, Tx area. Can you offer any suggestions? She would be so diligent to do all she could to be the best patient. She cannot possibly afford to go to Boulder, though I am sure she would benefit greatly. Thank you for any referrals you might give.
hi Carole,
Try searching by zip code for functional medicine trained docs in her area… http://www.functionalmedicin.org.
warmly
Dr Jill
Please give examples of the UPGRADED coffees you refer to? TY
Hi Jane,
I use the Upgraded Bulletproof beans here.
Hi Dr. Jill,
Is there any place in Lafayette or Louisville to buy a cup of Bulletproof coffee? I know in Boulder Wonder Press Juice bar carries it. 🙂
Thanks,
Jules
Hi Julie,
I don’t know of any place that serves Bulletproof but there are several organic vendors that are quite clean. I can taste and feel the difference between mycotoxin-laden coffee and clean stuff and I always enjoy the coffee from Bittersweet cafe in Louisville, even though it’s not Bulletproof. Do like I do and buy some beans HERE, brew your own, saving some money and take a cup with you! 😉
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi!!
What type of organic coconut milk do you use ? I used to drink coconut milk but then I worried about how processed it seemed to be and worried about the additives, now i put organic grassfed cow milk in my coffee. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Melissa
Aroy-D is my preferred brand. Sometimes I use So Delicious unsweetened brand since I am not sensitive to the gums that it contains.
What is “1 scoop” of collagen protein? A tablespoon?
There is a scoop in the bag 😉
It was buried so deep, I didn’t notice it. Thanks.