We recently talked about healthy fats and which are best for you. But, there has been a lot of talk around MCT Oil lately. Why? Because it is loaded with health benefits! From aiding in weight loss to keeping you energized this oil has everything! Read on to find out about why it is good for you, where you can find it and a few fun (meal prep recipes) to give it a try in!
What is MCT Oil
MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides which are comprised of medium-chain fatty acids. MCT oil is a saturated fat but more of a concentrated source of coconut oil. Without getting into too much of the science behind the chemical makeup, MCT Oils consist of strings of carbon and hydrogen and medium referring to the length of the chemical composition, having anywhere between 6 to 12 carbons.
This chemical structure is what makes MCT oil particularly advantageous because they are easy for the body to digest and absorb as energy. Unlike other fats, MCTs do not need bile or other pancreatic enzymes to help break them down. Instead, they are smaller in size so they are readily absorbed by the small intestine and transported to the liver, where they are converted into ketones.
Ketones are what the body produces when using fat for a source of energy as opposed to glucose.
This means that MCTs are used by the body for fuel rather than being stored as fat. Due to MCT’s molecular structure, they are often better for those with gall bladder issues or malabsorption problems like leaky gut syndrome or Crohn’s disease because they are easily digested and assimilated into the body.
MCT oil has numerous health benefits like supporting a healthy metabolism, maintaining healthy weight, improves digestion, balances hormone levels, and increases energy. Like coconut oil, MCT oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties so is helpful in maintaining optimal gut health by eliminating harmful gut bacteria.
MCTs can be found in various foods like:
- coconut oil
- palm kernel oil
- cheese
- butter
- milk
- yogurt
However, one of the highest sources of MCTs comes from concentrated MCT oil. MCT oil is fairly neutral in flavor and can be used in various recipes like dressings and sauces or even in your morning coffee. Here are a couple different recipes with MCT oil that you can use to start incorporating more healthy fats into your diet now. We love both of these recipes as they are great for meal planning so that you can grab healthy snacks and have them on the go. They both help sustain energy levels as well as provide your body with ample healthy fats throughout the day.
Get this MCT Men recipe here
MCT Oil Gummy Candy Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1C frozen blackberries
- 1C gingerberry kombucha
- 4TBS grass-fed gelatin
- 1-2TBS MCT Oil
Do you use MCT oil? If so, I’d Love to hear how!