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MCT Oil: Fat to help lose weight and support anti-aging
Written by Darren Scherbain
Fat is not a bad word.
Our brains, hormones and immune system need healthy fats to thrive. Optimal cellular function is dependent on healthy fats.
From a physiological perspective, fat will always be an essential component of wellness and anti-aging.
However, all fats are not equal in their metabolic effect.
Most of the fats we consume, from our food, are referred to as Long-Chain-Triglyceride. Long Chain Triglycerides (LCTs) are composed of 13-21 carbon atoms attached to the chain.
LCTs are not the easiest form of fat for our body to absorb, so they put additional demand on our bodies to process these types of fats.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) on the other hand, have a shorter 6-12 carbon atom chain, so they are metabolized by our bodies differently to LCTs.
A shorter carbon chain means they may be processed and absorbed quicker than LCTs from the gut to the liver.
Once in the liver, fats are broken down and can either be used as fuel or stored as body fat.
Since MTCs don’t need to be broken down in a longer process, they may be used as an immediate source of energy.
While there are many benefits to consuming MCT oils, there are 3 that I would like to highlight here:
1. MCT oil boosts brain activity
The adult human brain is an incredible organ that requires about 20% of whole-body energy requirements.
Glucose is the brain’s predominant fuel, but like other organs it does have a backup supply.
Enter fats: they aren’t always bad.
MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy or can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain, if you are on a ketogenic diet.
There is also some very interesting research that examines MTC oil in the improvement of the symptoms of mild -moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.
However, longer and larger studies are needed to confirm the cognitive benefits of MCT oil use.
2. MCT oil can help you lose weight
There are several reasons why MTC OIL may be beneficial when you are trying to lose weight.
The first is the benefit of MTC oil in weight reduction, comes from its use when combined with exercise and movement.
MCT improves, in synergy with exercise, the cardio metabolic and anthropometric profile (including waist circumference) of women preventing unhealthy abdominal obesity - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882694/
Second, studies have confirmed that MTC oil releases two hormones: peptide and leptin that promote the feeling of fullness.
3. MCT oils support anti-aging processes
While losing weight and fat loss has an intrinsic benefit to lower your risk for Heart Disease, additionally, MCT oil has been shown to also reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and inflammation.
MCT oil has also been shown to have a positive effect on raising HDL (good cholesterol)
If you want to lower your biological age, the cellular state of our bodies, then you must reduce chronic inflammation.
One of the leading contributors to Chronic inflammation pathway is from an imbalance in our gut bacteria. One of the leading contributors to this imbalance is LCT Omega 6 fatty acids (vegetable, soy , corn and canola oils).
How can we put MCT Oil to good use?
· Add it to smoothies
· Salads
· Homemade Chia Pudding (message me for recipe)
· Coffee
However, unlike those LCT Omega 6 fatty oils previously mentioned, you cannot cook with MCT oil.
It must be consumed fresh from the bottle!
Where can you get MCT Oil in Thailand?
While not widely available in general supermarkets, MCT Oil can be purchased through some online marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
It would be fair to say though, not all MCT Oils are created equal. I personally buy my MCT Oil directly from HEAT Anti-aging, as their product is made from 100% coconut, in glass bottles for longevity.
MCT Oil bottles by HEAT Anti-aging start from just 300 THB per bottle, so if you’d like to purchase any, simply send an email to info@heatantiaging.com
If you want to supercharge your Anti-aging and wellness, it can be as easy as taking a few simple steps and adding a little more MCT oil into your lifestyle.
Darren is a movement and confidence specialist. He graduated with a degree in exercise physiology from the University of Winnipeg and has led some amazing experiences, including being a multiple Ironman finisher, lifestyle media commentator, and respected TedX Alumni presenter.