Coffee trend sweeping the Gold Coast could be more dangerous than you think

IT’S the latest coffee craze for health buffs and busy people, but nutritionists aren’t sold on the benefits of consuming this new-age caffeine fix — saying it could even be dangerous. WATCH THE VIDEO.

HIGH-fat food and drinks are the latest craze sweeping the Gold Coast as new-age health and fitness buffs push keto diet options.

But nutritionists warn the amount of cholesterol in the products could lead to dangerous health problems.

Many Gold Coast cafes have jumped on the high-fat trend, serving their own versions of “bulletproof coffee”, a caffeine craze made with coffee, grass-fed butter and coconut oil.

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

A ‘Bulletproof coffee’ from Raw Espresso, Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

It is popular with gym junkies looking to lose weight as a meal replacement, as well as busy people wanting to slam down a breakfast drink.

Southport cafe Raw Espresso owner Mark Fannin said the drink was meant to give a sustained energy boost.

“It’s a tailored thing with your own diet and exercise,” Mr Fannin said.

“It’s a high-fat product. Unless you’re burning it off, it’s not a miracle cure (for more energy and weight loss).

“On the flip side, the people who use it love it.”

Gold Coast Bulletin journalist Amber Macpherson tries a Bulletproof coffee from Raw Espresso, Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams.

However, Robina My Nutrition Clinic dietitian Anna D’Arcy was not convinced the coffee offered much benefit at all.

“If someone was drinking that regularly, daily, they’d be increasing their saturated fat and cholesterol level,” Ms D’Arcy said.

GET A NEW SET OF HEADPHONES WITH YOUR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

“The other thing people need to be careful of is it could be a big gut irritant.

“It could lead to diarrhoea, stomach cramps.”

Mr Fannin agreed the keto diet trend was not for everyone, stating social media played a role in today’s health fads.

“We do go through quite a lot of it (bulletproof coffee). It works in trends,” he said.

“It certainly has benefits, but so does a walk along the beach.”