Have you bought MCT or thought about trying it? Are you a little confused about what exactly it is and how to use it?? If so, read on!
I feel like a lot of people talk about taking MCT (myself included), but don’t really explain what it is, how it works, what the benefits are, what to look for when buying it, and how to use it. So let’s get into it!
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides . They are a type of fatty acid that is derived from coconut oil and they’re metabolized differently than the long-chain triglycerides (LCT) found in most other fats. MCT has 6-12 carbon atoms vs. 13-21 in LCT, to be exact.
How does it work?
Unlike LCTs, MCTs are quickly burned and metabolized. It gets absorbed directly from the gut into the liver and doesn’t get stored as fat but rather burned quickly and turned into an energy source or into ketones.
What are the benefits?
- Can improve cholesterol profile
- Boost metabolism
- reduces hunger by increasing the production of peptides YY and leptin. 2 hormones that promote the feeling of fullness in the body
- They may also help lower blood sugar levels
- Increase energy
- Increase focus
- Supports the gut with its antimicrobial properties
What to look for when buying?
Remember those carbon atoms I talked about earlier? MCT oils generally contain either 100% C8, 100% C10, or a combination of the two. I always recommend getting 100% C8 if you can.
How to use MCT oils:
Personally, I use it in smoothies, coffee, salad dressings, and bliss balls. The typical dose is 1 to 2 tablespoons. However, taking MCT oil on an empty stomach may cause stomach discomfort 💩 so go slow and see what your system can tolerate.
