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How MCT Oil Can Help You Lose Weight, Improve Brain Function, and More!
I’m sure by now most of my followers know I like to try things myself before I recommend them. MCT oil has definitely passed my test for being helpful and supportive of healing. I was skeptical at first because while it’s technically a food, it’s still processed. But after seeing many awesome benefits (mostly energy, better sleep, and better stamina) from it, I am definitely starting to appreciate it more. Some of us just need extra help when it comes to fat- and MCT is very easily absorbed, but we’ll get into that soon!
But first, a refresher on why we need good fats….
Why we should LOVE Fats!
Fat is needed for many different reasons. It is needed for brain health, reproductive health, adrenals and thyroid health, immune system health, and also for eyes, skin and nails. Saturated fats are especially good for heart health- even though for decades “experts” were saying the opposite! Fats help balance your blood sugar, especially when you cut out all of the refined and processed foods from your diet.
Many people have grown up with the lies about fat (and its buddy cholesterol), and have stuck to a low fat diet most of their lives. This is one of the main reasons why so many people are suffering with hormonal imbalances, sluggish metabolisms, adrenal exhaustion, liver dysfunction (because consumption of good fats encourages bile flow), and so many other illnesses.
GOOD fats include: grass-fed butter, coconut oil (MCT oil too!), grass-fed dairy (cream cheese, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, heavy cream), avocado, fish, nuts, chocolate, meats, eggs, and olives.
BAD fats include: oils from soy, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, and peanut.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides which is a form of saturated fat (the GOOD fat) that is very easily digested and assimilated. Coconut oil itself is a great source of MCTs and many people have noticed the amazing health benefits of coconut oil. However, unrefined coconut oil is not always the most appealing thing to eat, which is where MCT oil comes in. You have the benefit of the fat in coconut oil without the taste, which I find to be a very important aspect. When I first tried coconut oil, I made myself eat it everyday for about a month. I lost quite a bit of weight, but each day I found it harder to stomach the taste of the oil! It was just not appealing to me, and I know many other people feel the same way.
The MCT coconut oil is made up mostly of caprylic and capric acid, but some also keep in the lauric acid which is especially helpful against issues like EBV.
MCT oil tends to be much easier for people to absorb if you have issues with gut function too. Many people need more healthy fats in their diet but they lack the ability to digest them well due to years of leaky gut and liver dysfunction. MCT oil is not only easy to utilize, it can help to improve your gut and liver function too!
MCT Oil Health Benefits
- Great for the metabolism
- Helps with energy levels and mood stabilization
- Easily digestible fat, which is ideal for those with a sluggish liver
- Helps with weight loss
- Helps keep blood sugar stable
- Keeps you fuller longer, and helps curb sugar cravings
- It’s tasteless! You can add it to anything: smoothies, protein shakes, coffee, tea, etc. Most use 1-3 tablespoons a day, spread out. Start slowly though, just like anything else. It can truly get things moving!
- Great fuel for the brain!
- Helps to eradicate parasites, yeast, bacteria, and fungi in the body
- Helps constipation
Where to find the Best MCT Oil
Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, and many other health food stores carry MCT oil. Some of the brands have flavorless and flavored so be sure to read labels to find the one you want. Whole Foods has a great store brand that is 100% coconut MCT oil. Vitamin Shoppe has Jarrow and their own store brand which is good.
My absolute favorite MCT oil is from Perfect Supplements! They now offer a 100% organic coconut MCT oil , which is incredibly rare to find. I feel like this is the best quality MCT oil I have tried- I get such a great boost of energy that lasts for hours! You can use the code SASSY at checkout for 10% off as well. Perfect also has the best discounts- buy any 3 of their brand items and save 20%! MCT Oil works well with their collagen, matchinga, and acerola cherry!
Are there Side Effects of MCT Oil?
As with any new addition to your lifestyle, it’s always best to introduce MCT oil slowly. Most do fine with 1 teaspoon a day at first and then they slowly work up to 1 tablespoon a day as they feel comfortable. If you do too much MCT right away you might experience loose stools, as this is the most common side effect of MCT oil. If you introduce it slowly and stay away of how your body reacts to this new item you shouldn’t have any issues.