The low-down on MCTs

Have you experienced the MCT PowerUp effect? There’s a lot of hype surrounding MCTs at the moment, but it’s not just a buzzword. Hold onto your socks, because here we explain what MCTs really are (and what they are not!), how they effect us physiologically to deliver incredible health benefits, what to look out for, and simple ways you can use MCTs to ‘PowerUp’ your brain, energy and metabolism.

IN SHORT:

– MCTs are fatty acids, simple molecules that we use for energy.
– ‘MCT’ is short for Medium Chain Triglycerides
– MCTs are not liquid coconut oil (although coconut oil does contain MCTs)
– MCTs are absorbed and utilised as energy very quickly (faster than sugar!)
– There are 4 different types of MCTs, but they have different effects physiologically
– Its important to know the concentration and what type of MCTs you are using.
– Only pure C8 + C10 MCTs ‘PowerUp’ your brain, energy and metabolism.

What are MCTs?

MCT is short for ‘medium chain triglycerides’ or ‘medium chain fatty acids’. They are simple molecules derived from fats or oil that our body uses as energy. In pure form, they are a colourless and odourless oil that stays liquid at room temperature and delivers a number of physiological health benefits when consumed as part of a healthy diet. MCTs are actually found in most sources of fat in small quantities, but the most common and also one of the naturally highest sources of MCTs is coconut oil. MCT oil is made by separating the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from the coconut oil.

What are the benefits of C8 + C10 MCTs?

– Increased energy, mood and focus
– Brain power and protection
– Anti-inflammatory support
– Improved metabolism and weight management
– Promoting a healthy gut – Antibiotic properties

Berry MCT Smoothie Bowl

How does our body use MCTs?

Three out of the four MCTs found in Coconut Oil are considered the most bioavailable and most quickly absorbed sources of energy for the human body. This is due to their clean and simple structure and, unlike carbohydrates or other fats, they don’t require lengthy digestion or processing by the body. Given their simple structure, they are able to enter our system quickly and unmodified to stimulate and deliver numerous benefits.

– C6 – Caproic Acid
– C8 – Caprylic Acid
– C10 – Capric Acid
– C12 – Lauric Acid

It’s important to note that the four different MCTs actually have some varied functions and effects, which is why it’s always best to know the types as well as the concentration of your MCTs. Extracting MCTs is a fairly expensive process, so if the bottle doesn’t tell you exactly which MCTs it contains, you can just about assume that it will essentially just be liquid coconut oil – good for cooking, but it won’t deliver the energy and brain enhancing affects you are after.

So which MCTs do we really want?

Whilst all 4 MCTs are categorised as ‘MCTs’, only C6, C8, and C10 are able to bypass digestion and directly enter our liver, bloodstream and brain to be converted into ketones. This quick conversion from MCTs to ketones is what we are looking for, because it is that affect that quickly boosts our focus, mood and energy.

C12, although classed as an MCT, is metabolised like most other fatty acids, requiring digestion through the stomach and small intestines before it can then be absorbed into your blood and turned into energy. The trouble is, C12 is the most abundant “MCT” in coconut oil (about 50% of coconut oil is C12). C12 will satiate you rather than energise or focus you. C6 tastes unpleasant and can cause digestive upset, so it is purely C8 and C10 that you want when choosing an MCT, and this is why it’s important to know your MCTs.

What to look for

When purchasing and using an MCT to powerup your day and feel the direct and fast benefits that the right MCT should deliver, you want to look for one that is pure C8 and C10, because they are the only MCTs that are immediately absorbed and converted into brain and energy boosting ketones, whilst also delivering powerful gut supporting properties, boosting your metabolism and helping to reduce inflammation, without the gastric upset.

The Luke Hines by Cocolife MCT Keto Tonic does just that. At a minimum of 53-64% C8, and 36-47% C10 and nothing else – it is the cleanest, most transparent and effective MCT for your health. We will always tell you the concentrations and purity of our MCTs.

Start with just one teaspoon of the Luke Hines MCT Keto Tonic in your coffee or tea, salad or smoothie bowl and feel the energising and brain boosting affects.

Check out this article for how to make a PowerUp MCT Keto Coffee, or read this article by Luke on his breakdown of the difference between MCTs vs Coconut Oil.

Pure C8 + C10 MCT Keto Tonic | 1 Litre