I use MCT oil in my coffee daily in place of other options such as heavy cream, and heres why:
- It's a powerful fatty acid
- Supports me from a healthy food choice standpoint
- Doesn't upset my stomach
- Utilizing a powdered form is easier when I travel
- Supports my ketogenic lifestyle
- Tastes good :)
Recap of what MCT's are - Medium Chain Triglycerides -
What are MCTs and why are they different from other fats?
Fats are made up of chains of carbon atoms, and most of the fats in a person's diet are made up of 13 to 21 of these atoms. These are called long-chain fatty acids.
In contrast, short-chain fatty acids (MCT's) are made up of 6 or fewer carbon atoms.
MCTs are found in coconut oil and are processed by the body in a different way to long-chain fatty acids. Unlike other fats, they go straight from the gut to the liver. From here, they are used as a source of energy or turned into ketones.
Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down a lot of fat, and they can be used by the brain for energy instead of glucose or sugar.
As the calories in MCTs are used straightaway, they are less likely to be stored as fat. This principle is the basis of the ketogenic diet, which many people believe is an effective way to lose weight.
Excerpt from Naomi Whittel:
But, if I had to choose the BIGGEST MCT OIL MISKTAKE OF ALL, it’s this all-to-common scenario…
It may even sound familiar to you…
Fueled by excitement over a new keto journey and clear focus, the first-time MCT oil user pours it liberally on anything and everything… all on Day 1.
Not surprisingly, stomach distress soon sets in after your fatty acid feeding frenzy.
You just experienced MCT overload.
Assuming it must be the MCT oil, you shun this cell-nourishing good fat instead of hitting reset and introducing it gradually over a few days.
The process of transitioning your body from burning sugar and carbs to burning fat and ketones is a gradual one. Before fat can become your primary source of fuel, your cells must exhaust the reserves of glucose that are ready to serve as energy.
If you inundate your body with too many MCTs at once, especially after fasting, it may cause stomach discomfort.
Here’s why…
These shorter fat molecules, like caprylic acid, are metabolized very quickly, which can distress the gut lining if your body hasn’t properly adjusted to a high-fat diet. In fact, many oils can have this effect.
It’s not MCT oil that you have to avoid… it’s using too much of it too soon.
Experiment and explore.
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