What do you think of it when you see “MCT” on a product label? Most of us have a positive association with these three letters and for a good reason! Incorporating quality sources of MCTs into your diet is one of the smartest additions to your daily routine and improves your ketogenic diet.
What Are MCTs, and Where do They Come From?
But what are MCTs? Quite a few of us could even answer what the three letters stand for, let alone why they are great and what health benefits we can expect.
Let’s dive into what MCTs are, what MCT supplements are available, and the big deal.
What are MCTs?
MCT is short for Medium-Chain Triglyceride, and they are a type of fat that is fantastic for your health and energy levels. A great sidebar here is to read the Perfect Keto guide on Good Fat vs Bad Fat.
Not only are MCTs good, but they are also essential. This means we have to have them for normal growth, regeneration, and survival.
Need a mental image of an MCT? Think of the trident Poseidon carries, with three prongs and a long stake in the ground. The three “prongs” are glycerol molecules attached to the long “stake” portion, a chain of carbons. Medium-chain fats have between 6-12 carbon chains.
Fats come in three classes:
- Short-chain
- Medium-chain
- Long-chain
Short-chain fats have short “handles,” and longer chain fats have longer carbon “handles.” Here’s the point: The shorter the carbon chain, the easier/quicker it is for your body to break it into energy.
Furthermore, when you follow a ketogenic diet, your body breaks down fats into ketones for energy. So think of MCTs as quick, clean fuel you will burn.
Let’s recap. MCTs are,
- Fats
- Easily digestible
- Proven to raise ketone levels
- Quick and clean sources of energy
- Vitally important to a quality ketogenic diet and lifestyle
So, where do the great fats in MCT Oil Powder come from? Whole foods like,
Where do MCTs Come From?
- Coconut oil (60+ per cent of fats in coconut oil are medium-chain)
- Cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- Yoghurt
Why an MCT Powder Supplement is Worth Taking
If you’re not convinced that MCTs are a must-have if you are going low-carb/keto, here are the top 4 benefits you can expect if you regularly bump up your MCT intake. Check out our full guide to ketone supplementation to see the bigger picture of how MCT oil powder fits into your regimen.
Benefits of MCT Oil Powder Supplements
Better Weight Loss – MCTs are easily digested and have a thermogenic (energy-creating) effect, also known as “boosting your metabolism.”
Better Energy – MCTs are a fast-acting source of energy. They break down into ketones, which can then fuel your body.
Better Digestion – MCTs support our gut microbiome by combating harmful bacteria and parasites.
Better Overall Health – MCTs contain antioxidant properties which reduce internal inflammation and improve the overall performance of your heart, brain, and nervous system.
Concerns About MCT Supplements
The most common concern about adding extra fat to your day is the pervasive misconception that eating dietary fat will make me gain body fat.
Remember that fat is the only macronutrient that does not cause an insulin response. Insulin is known as the fat-storage hormone. This means that eating fat is the one thing that does not cause fatness.
Americans have been collectively eating a low-fat diet for the past 30 years, and the results are in – we are fatter and sicker than ever.
Rest assured, in the ketogenic diet, fat is fuel, and MCTs are the premium grade.
The Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder Methodology
Why did Perfect Keto make MCT oil into a powder supplement? There is always a method to the madness, and the standard is to make the best, cleanest product. Here are the highlights,
1) MCT powder is easier on the digestive system
The powder is much easier on your gut, meaning you can tolerate it, and your body will use it when you consume it.
2) MCT powder mixes better
With MCT oil powder, you can mix it into any beverage or food, hot or cold, instantly. And because it is truly flavourless, you can add this product to anything you’d like, and it won’t affect the taste.
3) MCT powder is more accessible
You can easily take powdered MCTs anywhere
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is dairy-free (also zero fake or artificial ingredients) and only made from the highest quality coconut oil. The problem with other MCT oil powders is they are bound to fillers and carbohydrates. Look explicitly for the terms maltodextrin or soluble corn fibre and any other of the 56 names for sugar. This means less MCT for your buck and potentially hurting your efforts to maintain your ketosis! Do your research.
When to Use MCT Oil Powder Supplements
Need some quick ideas? MCT oil powder is flavourless but also adds creaminess to any liquid. Try adding MCT oil powder to ice water, almond milk, coconut milk, coffee (like creamer), or any post-workout shake you’ve got going on. MCT oil powder is awesome for baking as well. Post more ideas in the comments too!
Adding MCT Oil Powder to Your Supplement Toolkit
If you are not already boosting your dietary MCTs, try it. Try it consistently for a few weeks. Treat this as research and periodically check in with yourself. Ask yourself how your gut feels and your energy levels have been, and test those ketone levels! Enjoy, and please reach out with any questions, big or small.
