Disclosure: I was provided Left Coast MCT Oil. I loved it and wanted to share my opinion.
There is something magic about medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). It is no wonder why it is gaining popularity in the paleo community, with ketogenic dieters and muscle builders.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT is an odorless and translucent liquid found naturally in coconut oil (small amounts can also be found in grass-fed butter, palm oil, cheese, whole milk). MCTs are a healthy form of saturated fatty acids. Yes, not all fats are created equally. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are more rare, absorbed quicker and used as fuel instead of being stored as fat. Basically, because of it’s unique chemical structure and length (6-10 carbon atoms), it is a healthier and more effective triglycerides. MCTs are special.
Does MCT Oil Help Energy?
YES! MCT oil promotes endurance and energy quickly! Once MCT is ingested, it goes straight to the liver like a carbohydrate, providing a boost of energy. The body takes the MCT oil and metabolizes it, instead of storing it with fat, making MCT oil an awesome energy source! Hence why many ultra marathoners and workout enthusiast use MCT oil to help with their athletic performance. MCT oil provides energy without the crash and burn.
Unhealthy energy drinks and energy pills are out, MCT natural energy is in!
MCT Oil Benefits
MCT Oil Helps Gut & Digestion
Fighting bad bacteria and aiding good bacteria is why MCT is a superstar for the stomach and the gut. MCT oil improves bacteria balance in the gut. It has a positive effect on the digestive tract and allows the gut lining to better absorb nutrients from foods. MCT might be helpful for IBS, IBD, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive issues.
MCT Oil Supports Immunity
Want to avoid the common cold and nasty flu season? Coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties making it a powerful fighter against viruses, fungi and parasites. Coconut oil is an antibacterial, therefore MCT also can be called a germ deterrent! MCT (especially with lauric acid) might be helpful in fighting viral infections, candida and food poisoning.
MCT Oil an Anti Inflammatory
MCT oil is linked to a strong anti inflammatory response. MCT oil has been found to help inflammatory issues in the body including obesity, auto-immune functions, cognitive issues and more. Inflammation is now being linked to many ailments, so the possibility of MCT oil healing inflammatory issues is exciting!
MCT Oil for Weight Loss
When using MCT oils, your metabolism is increased, giving you increased energy and allowing the body to burn stored fat with your increased energy. The body’s ability to burn fat (thermogenesis) increases the metabolic rate and suppresses appetite all at the same time! Additionally, MCTs have shown to make you feel fuller and more satisfied, making you less likely to over eat.
Other MCT Oil Benefits
MCT oil has many other health benefits including regulating hormones, increasing mental performance and improving memory. Studies have shown MCT oil is beneficial to many neurological disorders including dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injuries and more.
How to Use MCT Oil
Since MCT oil is odorless and tasteless the options for how to use this oil are endless. Probably the most common way to use MCT oil is in coffee in the morning. Other ways to add MCT oil to your routine could be in smoothies, salad dressings, cooking or just straight up! I will say use caution on the quantity of MCT oil, it is concentrated stuff and a powerful digestive aid! (It can cause bowel movements asap if you start with too much too soon!)
Start slow with MCT oil to avoid unplesant side effects like diarrhea, upset stomach and intestinal gas. If you are new to MCT oil begin with just 1 teaspoon and then work your way to more after giving your body time to adjust. It can be taken with or without food, however if you are new to MCT oil you will want to consider taking it with food (just to be safe).
My Review of MCT Oil
After reading dozens of Amazon reviews, I decided Left Coast Performance MCT Oil was a high quality MCT oil that was worth trying. There are far to many MCT oils on the market that contain solvents, chemicals and have bad processing practices. No thanks.
There are a number of reasons why I am loving Left Coast Performance MCT oil. First, they uses BPA free and food grade containers, giving me peace of mind that the container is not leeching chemicals into the pure MCT oil! This oil is harvested from fractionated coconut oil, not any other source – like palm oil. It is a pure form of coconut oil – there are no other ingredients. This stuff is literally clear oil that has no taste what-so-ever. I have been enjoying it in my morning smoothies and feeling energized from it! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and paleo friendly – hooray!