MCT oil is great for your health—but there’s more to the story. What many people don’t realize is that there are different types of MCT—and the differences really matter.
More specifically, C8 is a type of MCT that stands above the rest. Let’s look at why C8 is great and how you can use it to fuel your healthy diet.
Types of MCTs and Why C8 is Best
To understand C8, you first need to know about MCTs and the different types available to you.
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides or medium-chain fatty acids. They’re a type of fat that comes mostly from coconut oil or palm oil. Some dairy products also contain a small amount.
There are four main forms of MCT:
- C6, also known as caproic acid
- C8, also known as caprylic acid
- C10, also known as capric acid
- C12, also known as lauric acid
The numbers of each MCT type refer to the amount of carbon atoms it contains. Short-chain fatty acids contain less than six carbon atoms, medium-chain fatty acids contain between 6-12 carbon atoms, and long-chain fatty acids have 14 or more carbon atoms.
MCTs Benefits for Your Whole Body
So C6, C8, C10, and C12 all fall into the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) range. And they have unique benefits:
- C6, C8, and C10 all go straight to your liver—instead of through your digestive tract. That means your body absorbs them more quickly than other fats, bringing a quicker source of energy to your body and brain.
- When these MCTs are broken down, they become energy-providing ketones in your body—perfect for those eating the Keto Zone diet.
- This also means they’re much easier to digest and use than other fats.
- MCTs can also help suppress hunger, which assists with weight loss, and they have antiviral and antibacterial properties that are good for your immune and gut health.
(However, C12 MCT is different because it acts more like a “regular” fatty acid, going through your digestive tract first. It doesn’t offer the same benefits.)
Within these MCTs, C8 has even more benefits that make it the best for health, fitness, weight loss, and more.
Benefits of C8 MCT Over All the Others
Research has shown C8 MCT—caprylic acid—increases ketone levels by three times more than C10 MCT, especially when taken on an empty stomach [1]. (C8 is also more effective at raising ketones than plain coconut oil, which is very low in C8.)
Plus, along with the antimicrobial and appetite suppressing properties of MCT for your gut, C8 is metabolized most quickly by your brain compared to the other MCTs.
This is especially good for those trying to get into the Keto Zone, since C8 can help raise your ketone levels, suppress cravings, keep you full for hours, nourish your gut, and fuel your healthy, low-carb diet—all in one!
Choosing the Best MCT Oil Powder
The best way to utilize C8 MCT, and to make sure you get a good dose, is by taking an MCT oil powder. But be cautious: not all MCT oils and MCT oil powders are the same. The ingredients matter.
MCT oil powders typically use some combination of C8 and C10 MCTs. Based on what you’ve learned today, you’ll want to choose the highest proportion of C8 you can.
Some of the top products out there contain about 70% C8 and 30% C10. But our Keto Zone MCT oil powder is 75% C8 and 25% C10, giving you the highest amount of C8 with each scoop! Plus, you can now enjoy it in three delicious flavors: Coconut, Vanilla, and Hazelnut.
Sources:
https://academic.oup.com/cdn/article/1/4/e000257/4555134
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