The Game-Changing Health Benefits Of MCT Oil (& How To Use It)

If you’ve ever tried keto, chances are you’ll be familiar with the term bulletproof coffee and its key ingredient. If not, get ready to be mind blown… Introducing MCT oil, the multitasking wellness supplement that helps boost brain function, improve overall health and wellness, and encourage fat burning. Seriously, as soon as I added the Ancient + Brave True MCT Oil, $50, into my morning coffee, I felt more focused and energized than ever before. It’s now an essential part of my daily routine, which I actually add to into my morning green tea as I’ve been trying to cut back on coffee. Here’s everything you need to know about my holy-grail wellness hack…

What is MCT Oil and How Does It Work?

According to Co-Founder of wellness and lifestyle brand, Ancient + Brave, Kate Prince, “MCT oil is an incredibly versatile healthy fat.” Don’t get it twisted when it comes to the term “fat” as there are healthy fats out there too. Kate explains the difference, “Long-chain triglycerides are the fatty acids we want to watch out for. They’re typically stored as fat in the body, leading to weight gain and often a higher risk of obesity and heart disease. On the other hand, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) get burned for energy and are not stored as fat. It’s these fatty acids we’re able to isolate and use purely for beneficial purposes.”

Kate continues, “MCTs can be more rapidly broken down and are then quickly absorbed into the bloodstream before being metabolized. They can be used as a source of energy or they can be turned into ketones.” If you’re thinking ‘ketones… Who?!’ Kate clarifies, “Typically, our bodies burn glucose for our main source of energy. However, when glucose levels fall short, ketones are utilized as an instant alternative source. The calories in MCTs are efficiently turned into energy and used by the body, so they’re less likely to be stored as fat.”

The Benefits of MCT OIL

Okay, so now you know the basics, let’s get into the juicy deets, AKA how MCT can help you. Kate breaks it down…

Encourages fat burning: Kate explains that MCT Oil helps “Facilitate the body’s transition into ketosis. Ketosis is the name given to the use of ketones for energy, replacing glucose. Ketosis has been suggested to aid in weight loss, and many weight-loss strategies such as the keto diet and intermittent fasting can be supported through the use of True MCT Oil.”

Reduces sugar cravings: According to Kate, MCT Oil can lead to “the reduction in sugar cravings and subsequent plummeting energy levels and insulin spikes by regulating blood sugar levels. Research suggests that this may help with the management of type 2 diabetes.”

Improves brain function: “Ketones provide a nourishing source of fuel for the brain, leading to improved cognitive skills, such as memory and general brain function. Research suggests that this may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” says Kate.

Boosts your mental health: Kate reveals, “MCT oil may exhibit a positive effect on mental health and mood due to the positive effects it exerts on the gut microbiome and the neurotransmitters produced in the gut. It’s also able to rebalance the gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption.”

Improves your overall health: “MCT oil possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, meaning it can protect your body from oxidative damage and inflammation, and help support a healthy immune system,” Kate tells us.

It’ll amp up your workout: “MCT oil and bullet coffee have been linked to several benefits when consumed before a workout. Caffeine alone is a well-known ergogenic aid, with benefits such as increasing your energy, metabolism and endurance, so the addition of MCT oil creates a supercharged recipe for the best workout of your life,” insists Kate.

In short? It’s…

How to Incorporate MCT Oil into Your Diet

As we’ve mentioned, we like to start our day with a “bullet coffee,” which involves adding grass-fed butter or ghee into your coffee, along with MCT oil. This will help increase your energy levels, improve your brain function and suppress your appetite. If coffee isn’t your thing, you can add it into a cup of hot chocolate – our fave is an almond milk hot chocolate with a teaspoon of MCT oil – it’s SO delicious. We also like to put it into our green tea for a little extra boost each morning. Alternatively, you can add it into our morning smoothie, or we stash it into our salad dressings or dips, and yogurts for a boost throughout the day.

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