Good fats are an important part of our diet and well-being. MCT oil is a supplement that claims to increase energy, help with weight loss, and fight candida, to name a few.
I am delighted to welcome Nik Tooth (or The lean body coach) to the Nourishing Hub. She will share her wisdom about the health benefits MCT oil has on the body.
Have you ever tried coconut oils?
You’ve probably heard of its numerous health benefits.
Coconut oil is saturated fat. Although saturated fats are often criticized in the media as contributing to heart disease, coconut oils, being medium-chain triglyceride, is different.
These fats are easy to digest and convert into energy. This type of fat is sent straight to your liver. They can boost your metabolism and are used as fuel instead of being stored in fat.
What is it good for?
It is known to increase good cholesterol, suppresses appetite, contributes to healthy skin and hair, and be antiviral, antibacterial, and even antiviral.
What is the difference between MCT oil and other oils?
Let me now introduce MCT oil. It is similar to coconut oil but turbocharged. MCT (those Medium Chain Triglycerides) are medium-chain fatty acids. The length of the chemical structure is called the medium. MCTs can also be found in butter, coconut oil, milk, and palm kernel oil. However, these fats are more easily absorbed by concentrated MCT oil, which can be as strong as 18 times the strength of other oils.
How it works
Sugar, which can be found in our food, is the body’s preferred energy source. When carbs are eaten, there is also a spike in blood sugar that leads to insulin release. Insulin is a storage hormone. It tells the body how to store nutrients. Body fat is also known as…
MCTs can be substituted for carbs and provide fast energy with no glucose spike. They are also less likely to be stored in fat. They are classified as a carbohydrate, but they are metabolized as fat.
How?
MCTs are absorbed into the bloodstream. This bypasses the lower digestive tract and is sent directly to the liver. This ensures that absorption takes place quickly and effectively.
MCTs can increase the number of calories consumed, which results in a thermogenic effect. This means that your body will burn more calories.
MCTs can increase your metabolism but have not been shown to ‘burn fat. They are low in calories and carbs, providing energy throughout the day without consuming caffeine or higher amounts of carbs.
How do you include MCT in your diet?
Reduce the carbohydrates you consume, especially if trying to lose weight. Instead, replace them with healthy fats like MCT oil.
MCT oil can also be used in many ways. It can be added to coffee, smoothies, and even salad dressing. MCT oil is tasteless and completely odorless, so that it can be used in sweet and savory dishes.
Other uses
MCTs can also be beneficial for those suffering from Candida Albicans. Candida can be a yeast overgrowth in the gut that causes symptoms such as bloating, fatigue and feeling foggy in your head. MCTs are rich in caprylic acid, which helps to destroy the candida membrane.
MCTs can also be given to athletes and Alzheimer’s patients to improve concentration. Both these groups have low glucose levels. MCTs are a source of energy for the brain. Researchers suspect that MCTs may provide an alternative energy source for these cells.
You can use it as a sunscreen, moisturizer, shaving cream, makeup remover, or to add to body scrubs to improve performance.
MCTs can be a great addition to your family’s diet. They provide good fats and energy without adding calories.