5 Things MCTs Can Do for You

It seems that increasing amounts of people are seeking natural ways to take control of their health, and improve their life. Because of this, new kinds of supplements and natural health boosters appear to be growing in popularity. One thing many seem to be taking notice of are MCTs, which stands for "medium chain triglycerides." Here are a few things to consider, if you think that MCTs might be right for you.

What Are MCTs?

MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides, are triglycerides that occur naturally in some foods, coconut oil being one of the most well known. MCT oil and MCT powder are also popular ways to include it in your diet. These triglycerides are medium-length chains of fats that are often easy for your body to digest, because their length is shorter compared to other triglycerides. Since they are easier for your body to digest, MCT wellness can have many benefits for your health.

Weight Loss Help

One of the top benefits that interests many in the use of MCTs is that they can help to increase your weight loss potential. One way they do this is by helping to release hormones in the body, such as leptin, that make you feel fuller, more quickly. Feeling full faster not only results in eating smaller meals, but can also prevent unnecessary snacking. Another way that they can help you lose weight is by aiding in cultivating good gut health, which can help play an important role weight loss by regulating digestion and absorbing nutrients effectively.

Increase Your Endurance

MCTs can also help you to increase your endurance and energy stores. Part of the reason they are able to do this because MCTs are full of fatty acids that can supply your body with energy on a cellular level. They can also help to build up your glycogen stores, which can result in longer lasting energy, as well as less fatigue after long periods of activity.

Boost Brain Power

Another benefit of medium chain triglycerides is that they can aid in increasing your brain power. One of the main ways that they do this is by converting ketones quickly after you ingest them. Ketones play an important role in brain health and function, because they provide the brain with energy as well as help protect your neural pathways. Not only do they help to improve brain function, but there is also some evidence that MCTs may help protect against many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

Prevent Disease

MCTs can be beneficial for your brain, and there's also some evidence to suggest that they can help to prevent certain diseases in the rest of your body as well. Because they can help to balance blood sugar levels with regular use, they can also be helpful in preventing and controlling diabetes. In addition to this, there is also some evidence that MCTs can help lower and control cholesterol as well as hormone imbalance, and even aid in improving heart disease.

Improve Your Mood

Along with the impact it may have on your health, there is also some evidence that MCTs can aid in improving your mood, and may even help to combat issues such as depression and anxiety. They are able to help with mood, in part because of the positive effects they can have on gut health. Because gut health and mood can be related, the positive impact they have on your gut health can follow to your mood, and potentially help to reduce depression and anxiety.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're more interested in losing weight, having more energy or boosting brain power, there are many ways that MCTs can help to improve your health.

So, if you choose to boost your intake through diet with foods like coconut oil, by taking MCT oil, or trying MCT powder, there is more than one way to integrate medium chain triglycerides into your daily routine, and reap their potential benefits.