MCT/ FAT BLOGS
The Surprising Benefits of MCTs for Cravings, Weight Loss & Ultimate Energy
Stave off the Crave
You might consciously stay away from sugar, you might have successfully done this for a while, but those pesky sugar cravings still rear their ugly heads every now and then.
When you throw in the chaos of life, reaching for a quick fix can often be much easier and more convenient. Most of us pacify those pangs with sugar because we are hardwired to do so. Why? Because, arguably, it is the most addictive legal drug out there, and it’s just waiting for us to consume it. Research draws increasing parallels between sugar as a highly palatable food and established effects and behaviours associated with substance abuse (*).
Long term over reliance on sugar in our diets can lead to serious diseases. But, fear not, MCT is here to save your day being hijacked by sugar cravings and from insulin spikes, as a consequence of eating excessive free sugars. With the overeating free sugars comes unwanted weight gain. Plus, we need to consider what damage high sugar diets might to to our gut microbiome.
What are MCTs and what Makes them so Great?
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which are a type of fat molecule found in coconut oil, palm oil and dairy products. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are easily digested, absorbed and quickly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick source of energy, much like the speeds of sugar and carbs! But unlike sugar, MCTs don’t produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream, saving you from the slump and consequent further cravings! This makes MCTs a great source of fuel for the body and brain whenever you’re feeling peckish and sluggish.
How MCTs Help Kick cravings
Few things will throw off your well-intentioned weight loss plans faster than “the snack attack.” And when you’re stressed or tired, running around like a loon or dealing with office politics, you’re more likely to reach for the carbs to dampen the cortisol response.
Here’s where MCTs come in.
Since MCTs convert to ketones in the liver, they could support ketosis weight management. Researchers are currently interested in how ketosis interacts with ghrelin, the 'hunger hormone'. Ketosis seems to work in favour of suppressing ghrelin here in this work.
If you’re intermittent fasting or skipping breakfast, MCTs could work in your favour and give you enough energy to get you going first thing in the morning, without getting in the way of your well intentioned fast.
Adding some MCT Oil or Powder to your morning tea or coffee, to get you fired up and keep you away from the carbs, is the perfect way to start your day. Adding 15ml to your coffee or tea and giving it a whizz with a hand whizzer, to make it lovely and frothy, could be enough to keep you from reaching for the toast, jammy croissants and cereal first thing in the morning.
Kick the Cravings
To support the sort of cravings that come when you feel under stress, WillPowder’s Calm supplement may help you to calm your mind and soothe an attack of nerves. In clinical trials, Theanine, the amino acid in Calm, was able to significantly decrease percieved stress.
MCTs Help Regulate your Blood Sugar
Keeping your blood sugar steady is key to keeping cravings at bay and your energy levels even. MCTs are quickly absorbed by the body and used for energy and, unlike sugar and carbs, they don’t cause an insulin spike! In addition, MCTs are not easily converted into stored fat, which is a massive bonus and means that you could avoid those unwanted pounds from sneaking up on you.
Check out Davinia’s fascinating podcast with Jessie Inchauspe, aka the@GlucoseGoddess, to learn more epic and easy-to-follow hacks that will keep your blood sugar and cravings under control.
MCTs Fire you up with Energy so you don’t go Looking for Snacks
The beauty of MCTs is how the liver processes them into ketones super-fast, making them available to cross the blood-brain barrier to generate ATP, aka “the brain cells fuel”, which immediately livens you up (*).
The brain receives this energy and stops looking for carbs and sugar as an energy source. So, you get a jolt of energy and have reduced cravings for snacks. MCTs also increase the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in a better overall mood and increased willpower (*).
In Conclusion...
MCTs are your secret weapon to stop cravings, boost energy and help you lose weight.
Further Product Information
For further reading on MCT Oil amounts, we've put together Dose Me, WillPowders! to help you introduce MCT into your life.
Take up to two capsules daily with water.
Keep out of reach of children. Adult use only. Not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women.
Add 15ml to your coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, sauces or dressings.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication under medical supervision, consult a health professional before using. This food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. *If you are new to MCT Oil, avoid possible digestive discomfort by starting with a small serving of 5ml and increase slowly over time up to 15ml.
We recommend a serving size of 4.3g for a large coffee although serving size is up to individual taste. For best results blend with a hand-held milk frother. Alternatively add to sauces, soups and baking.
Not suitable for vegans. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication under medical supervision, consult a health professional before using. Not suitable for under 5. This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Recommend no more than 4 servings a day.
Disclaimer
Our blogs are written with love in the hope that they go some way in helping you feel like the rockstar you are, and whilst we do our due diligence, research like maniacs and fact check our stuff, we know everyone’s journey is different. They are intended to educate and empower you, not usurp medical advice. We would never advise you to stop, adjust, or modify any prescription medication without the direct supervision of your healthcare practitioner, but don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your new found knowledge, brought to you by the marvels of nature because they don't know everything! Blogs are always informed by Davinia but often written by a member of the team. Not all blogs reflect Davinia's experiences and sometimes provide alternative perspectives