Health Hotline Magazine | October 2023

When it comes to metabolic health, animal models have found that MCT induces breakdown of fat in the liver, improves insulin sen sitivity, and stimulates brown fat thermogenesis—brown fat is rich in mitochondria that burn energy, which helps burn more calories; it also helps regulate glucose and fat metabolism. A recent human pilot study found that MCT improved insulin sensitivity in a subset of subjects, including men, African Americans, and subjects with a lower BMI, leading the researchers to conclude that it “warrants further study.” Everyone from Athletes to the Elderly Can Benefit

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With the winter months on the horizon, now is the perfect time to add MCT to your immune-sup portive routine. Studies show that MCT has natural antimicrobial properties and may help balance bacteria in the gut. Bacteria known to be killed by MCT include strep tococcus (which causes strep throat, pneumonia, and sinus infections), staphylococcus (which causes food poisoning and urinary tract infec tions), Neisseria (which causes men ingitis, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflam matory diseases), and other strains that cause stomach viruses, candida, ulcers, and sexually transmitted diseases. What’s more, research has found that MCT added to milk and infant formula inactivated a number of pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Haemophilus influenzae (a bacterium that can lead to meningitis and pneumonia), and Group B Streptococcus . Just a few more reasons to reach for the power of MCT!

from MCT’s Quick, Clean Energy Since we’ve learned that consumption of MCT supports the body’s production of ketones—an alternative energy source for the body—and those ketones are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and brain, it’s no surprise that MCT is excellent for instant and sustained energy. In one

study, recreational athletes who ate foods containing 6 g of MCT daily for two weeks could do longer sessions of high-intensity workouts than people who ate foods containing LCT. The researchers conclud ed, “Our data suggest that short-term ingestion of food containing a small amount of MCT suppresses the increase in blood lactate concentration [a marker of muscle fatigue] and rating of perceived exertion during moderate-intensity exercise and extends the dura tion of subsequent high-intensity exercise, at levels higher than those achieved by ingestion of LCT-containing food.” Besides the everyday athlete, MCT benefits those on the other end of the spectrum—the frail and the elderly. A 2019 study examined whether treatment with MCT alone is sufficient to increase mus cle strength and function and activities of daily living (ADL) in such individuals. Sixty-four nursing home residents were enrolled in the three-month trial. Those in the MCT group had a significant 48 per cent increase in muscle strength and a 7.5 percent increase in scores assessing ADL. They concluded that “6 g of MCT could increase the muscle strength and function of frail elderly individuals and also improve their ADL.” Whether you’re looking for a brain changer to stay sharp, an ally to stay metabolically healthy and maintain a healthy weight, or a func tional food to stay physically spry, strong, and energized so you can dominate the pickleball court long into your twilight years—MCT is there for all of it.

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com

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