I eat MCTs every day--in fact, multiple times a day. I honestly could not live without this miracle food. From fatty coffee to my own salad dressing, MCTs are an integral part of my daily diet. Whether you are doing Keto or not, MCTs should be part of everyone's diet for the amazing health benefits they bring.
But what is an MCT anyway?
MCTs are medium-chain triglycerides, which are concentrated forms of saturated fatty acids that have numerous health benefits, ranging from improved cognitive function to better weight management.
There is a lot of confusion between MCT oil and coconut oil. Both are derived from coconuts. Coconut oil is one great source of MCTs (roughly 62 to 65 percent of the fatty acids in coconut oil are MCTs) but recently more concentrated MCT Oil has also been growing in popularity. You can also get MCTs in MCT Oil Powder, (US | Canada) which is a very convenient form of MCT Oil and makes your coffee and protein drinks so amazing!
MCTs are mostly missing from the diets of people eating standard Western diets, as we have been led to believe that all forms of saturated fats are potentially harmful. However, recent research has shown a lot of evidence about the real truth regarding saturated fats (if you haven't watched the documentary The Magic Pill on Netflix, you need to ASAP).
Aside from coconut oil, smaller amounts of MCTs can also be found in certain other foods with saturated fats, including butter (especially from grass-fed cows), cheese, palm oil, whole milk, and full-fat yogurt.
What makes MCTs a top source of essential healthy fats? Medium-chain fats are digested easily and sent directly to your liver, where they have a thermogenic effect and the ability to alter your metabolism positively. This is one reason why many people claim that MCTs, including coconut oil, are burned by the body for energy ("turned into fuel") instead of being stored as fat.
Compared to longer-chain fats, MCTs are absorbed more easily since there's less work for the body to do breaking apart carbon bonds. MCTs are smaller, so they can permeate our cell membranes more quickly and don't require that we use special enzymes for our bodies to utilize them.
10 Health Benefits of MCT Oil
- Can Help with Weight Loss or Maintenance (reduces stored body fat)
- Helps Protect Heart Health
- Improves Energy Levels and Mood
- Increases Mental Clarity and Focus (reduces brain fog and forgetfulness)
- Supports Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
- Has Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Properties
- Can Withstand High-Heat Cooking
- Helps to Balance Hormone Levels
- Absorbs Fat-Soluble Nutrients from Various Foods
- Fights Bacterial Infections and Viruses
Need ideas for how to get more MCTs into your diet? I'm waiting to answer your question in my Facebook group!
If you are not getting in your MCTs, what are you waiting for?
You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content in here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.
