What is HS Labs MCT Oil?
HS Labs MCT Oil is a rich source of healthy fats medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are unique in that the body metabolizes them much faster and more efficiently than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) - the fats that predominate in foods like animal products and processed foods.
Instead of being packaged into chylomicrons and transported through the lymphatic system, MCTs are absorbed via the portal system and able to enter cellular mitochondria without carnitine.1 In other words, MCTs are one of the best forms of fuel for your body since they are absorbed quickly and provide lasting energy, but they don’t cause a spike in insulin levels or blood glucose like sugar does.
This makes MCT Oil a must-have for those on low-carb diets, like the keto diet, and even those who regularly consume carbohydrates. MCTs can help fuel your body and mind for hours on end, and are especially useful when taken prior to exercise.
Benefits of HS Labs MCT Oil
Enhance Energy Levels, Ketone Production, and Athletic Performance
Carbohydrates have always been the “gold standard” form of energy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but the reality is fat is the superior energy source. While sugar and carbohydrates may be beneficial in some circumstances, MCTs are a more dense source of energy per gram. In addition, the unique metabolic fate of MCTs means they are not prone to being stored as body fat, but rather being oxidized (“burned”) in order to help the body create more ATP and fuel movement/muscle contraction.
In fact, one molecule of glucose (simple sugar) yields about 32 molecules of ATP, whereas every molecule of C8 and C10 yield over 100 molecules ATP each. As part of this process, the body also creates more ketone bodies, which is exactly what those on the keto diet are after.
Support Cognitive Function & Defend the Brain
Contrary to popular belief, the brain does not need sugar to function optimally. In fact, there is recent evidence suggesting that diets rich in sugar are toxic to the brain and may increase the risk of mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.2 On the contrary, MCTs help mediate cognitive function and protect the integrity of brain cells (particularly neurons and astrocytes) by acting as an indirect and direct energy source.3,4
What Makes HS Labs MCTs the best MCT Oil on the Market?
HS Labs MCT Oil contains high-quality MCTs from guinea seed oil, not coconut oil like many companies use. Guinea seed oil is naturally rich in C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid), the most beneficial medium-chain fatty acids.
Most MCT supplements contain a high amount of C12 (lauric acid), which is abundant in cheap-grade, highly refined coconut oil. While lauric acid may be beneficial as an antibiotic and hydrating nutrient when used topically (on the skin), consuming capric acid and caprylic acid triglycerides is vastly superior for enhancing energy levels, metabolic rate, and ketone production.5,6
This makes HS Labs MCT Oil the ideal form of MCTs for those on keto and those who want to take their mental and athletic performance to the next level. Even better, HS Labs MCT Oil has a neutral taste and is readily soluble in both hot and cold liquids. Many people like to add it to their morning cup of coffee for a lasting energy boost.
References
- Schönfeld, P., & Wojtczak, L. (2016). Short-and medium-chain fatty acids in energy metabolism: the cellular perspective. Journal of lipid research, 57(6), 943-954.
- Tomlinson, D. R., & Gardiner, N. J. (2008). Glucose neurotoxicity. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 36.
- Ota, M., Matsuo, J., Ishida, I., Hattori, K., Teraishi, T., Tonouchi, H., ... & Kunugi, H. (2016). Effect of a ketogenic meal on cognitive function in elderly adults: potential for cognitive enhancement. Psychopharmacology, 233(21-22), 3797-3802.
- Pan, Y., Larson, B., Araujo, J. A., Lau, W., De Rivera, C., Santana, R., ... & Milgram, N. W. (2010). Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs. British journal of nutrition, 103(12), 1746-1754.
- Dayrit, F. M. (2015). The properties of lauric acid and their significance in coconut oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 92(1), 1-15.
- Augustin, K., Khabbush, A., Williams, S., Eaton, S., Orford, M., Cross, J. H., ... & Williams, R. S. (2018). Mechanisms of action for the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet in neurological and metabolic disorders. The Lancet Neurology, 17(1), 84-93.
- Calame, W., Weseler, A. R., Viebke, C., Flynn, C., & Siemensma, A. D. (2008). Gum arabic establishes prebiotic functionality in healthy human volunteers in a dose-dependent manner. British Journal of Nutrition,100(06), 1269.