LowCarbDirect.net Issue 03

22 | LowcarbDirect Directory - Issue 3 - October 2016
Ketones are naturally increased by fasting or by eating
a low-carb/high-fat diet, but there is another way to deliver
ketones to the brain that works even when carbohydrates
are not severely restricted. This brings us to the
subject of medium chain triglycerides or MCTs.
About MCTs
Fat molecules are classified as short, medium, or
long chain, depending on the number of carbon
atoms they contain. The shorter the chain, the
more easily it can be converted into energy. MCTs are
saturated fats that may contain 4, 6, 8, or 12 carbon
atoms. Coconut oil and palm kernel oil are especially
rich in MCTs. Caprylic Acid, an 8-carbon fatty acid from
coconut oil, is the primary one used for ketone production.
(The 4- and 6-chain fats also break down quickly,
but they taste terrible and can cause unpleasant side effects.
Lauric acid, with 12 carbon atoms, has antibacterial,
antimicrobial, and antiviral properties that can be
beneficial, but Caprylic acid is the best one for ketone
production.)
Most fats require bile from the gall bladder before they
can be digested, but MCTs go directly to the liver where
they are converted into ketones. The ketones are immediately
released into the blood stream where they cross
the blood/brain barrier and become available to nourish
the brain cells. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Ketones power
the mitochondria in cells, speed up metabolism, facilitate
digestion, promote fat burning, reduce hunger, and
improve focus and mental clarity.
"Further, this is a potential
treatment for Parkinson's disease,
Huntington's disease, multiple
sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's
disease), drug resistant epilepsy,
brittle type I diabetes, and diabetes
type II, where there is insulin
resistance….Ketone bodies may
help the brain recover after a loss of
oxygen in newborns through adults,
may help the heart re cover after
an acute attack, and may shrink
cancerous tumors."
– Dr. Mary Newport
(www.coconutketones.com)
Notice: Whole coconut oil is less potent than the extracted
MCT oils. Individuals tolerate MCTs differently and brands
of products may vary from one to another, with some
being more concentrated than others. It is generally recommended
that you start with a small amount when taking
extracts and increase it over a few days until you reach
the therapeutic dose of one to two tablespoons per day or
the amount recommended for the product you are using.
Consult a health care provider for additional information.
MCT oil is colorless and neutral in taste and since it is
liquid at room temperature, it can be used as cooking oil
(up to 325 degrees). It can also be used in salad dressings,
dips, mayonnaise, soups, ice cream, desserts, and many
other recipes. One of my favorites is the simple chocolate
pudding on the next page.
The only foolproof way I’ve discovered
to convince the people I care about to eat
things that are good for them is to turn
them into foods they can’t resist!
- Judy Barnes Baker
Order MCT oil
Order your MCT oil from:
Elain Steinberg
Cell: 082 888 0652 or
elain@tiscali.co.za
Available in
South Africa