On social media, a trend has been making the rounds: adding butter to coffee. Created by entrepreneur Dave Asprey, it purports to boost energy levels and help burn fat faster; however, some question whether its benefits actually outweigh its risks.

Asprey notes that adding fats to his coffee helps slow the breakdown of caffeine, helping avoid sudden spikes and crashes as well as providing sustained energy boost. His bulletproof coffee drink features 8 ounces of Bulletproof “upgraded” coffee combined with one to two tablespoons of Brain Octane (low-toxin coconut oil containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), plus one or two teaspoons of grass-fed unsalted butter blended together and served frothy as breakfast.

Some experts have criticised MCT oil drinks, saying they can cause weight gain. Furthermore, one cup can contain up to 500 calories which makes for an unusually calorific breakfast option and it remains unclear how much is actually being utilized by your body.

One major concern of butter is its high levels of saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease. Recipes for the drink call for 14 grams of saturated fat per serving – more than the American Heart Association recommends for healthy adults daily consumption of saturated fat. Furthermore, MCT oils also contain significant amounts of lipids.

But Asprey’s supporters contend that his coffee is healthier than traditional options because he uses grass-fed butter and coffee beans low in toxins. Furthermore, they emphasize how his butter contains more conjugated linoleic acid which they believe reduces inflammation and enhances heart health.

There may be some truth to the statement that eating more fat can help people shed pounds, but its benefits for weight loss remain dubious. Some individuals who drink butter coffee actually end up gaining weight rather than losing it; MCT oil present may possibly provide some therapeutic properties; however, studies on its efficacy remain lacking.

Milk also alters the bioavailability of some antioxidants found in coffee, potentially decreasing absorption by up to 28%.

Experts have also noted that eating saturated fats like butter or MCT oil can increase cholesterol levels, which isn’t ideal if you already have high levels. But if you enjoy its flavor and can manage its caloric intake, giving it a try may be worthwhile; just be sure to balance its consumption with other protein-rich foods, fruits and vegetables so as not to overdo your caloric intake.