If you want energy and you want it fast, without whacking up the carbs, then MCT oil or MCT oil powder is your pal. It’s popular with keto-lovers, favoured amongst athletes, loved by weight loss dedicates, and wanted by people who are into healthy natural living. 

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides which can sound anything but pure and natural. However, they are found in nature. They are partially man-made in that it’s the process of isolating the MCTs which brings them to you in their pure form, rather than with the rest of the coconut kernel. But, they are absolutely 100% natural in that they come from a natural product and are extracted through a mechanical process that separates the MCTs from the other fatty acids in the oil.

That said, not all MCT oil powders are created equally.

Here we’ll explain the benefits of MCT oil powder, how to get them quickly, and how to choose your MCT powder.

Benefits of MCT oil powder

We’ve gone into more depth before about the benefits of MCT powder, so we’ll just give you an overview here before explaining how to get these benefits FAST.

• MCTs are instant energy, but steady energy

MCTs don’t have to go through laborious digestive processes to become energy like their sibling, long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). They are an instant access source of fuel, without being a carbohydrate. Unlike carbs though, they don’t deliver energy as a spike. They are less reactive and provide a more steady energy flow.

• You can get energy AND weight loss

MCT oil stimulates the satiated feeling. In other words, you feel fuller for longer. It’s been shown that popping some MCT oil into your breakfast will lead to eating less food later in the day. What’s more, MCTs get converted into ketones which those following a paleo or ketogenic diet know provides energy whilst also breaking down fat.

• Aids your gut microbiome

We shared with you recently about the importance of your gut microbiome to your health. MCTs have been shown to boost the good gut bacteria, and this too could help you lose weight.

• They are brain food

If you’re on a ketogenic diet then the fact your liver turns MCTs into ketones is also great news for your brain as these can traverse the blood-brain barrier, actually boosting your brain’s energy.

• They help out athletes

Athletes can struggle to fully perform due to high lactate levels. MCTs are believed to help reduce this, enhancing performance.

There are a bunch of other benefits of MCT oil powder, from helping people with epilepsy to manage their disease to reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing diabetes, but let’s dive on in to how to get the energy boost of MCT powder quickly.

Fast ways to get MCT energy

• Your morning power burst

The simplest and easiest way to get the energy benefits of MCT oil is to make sure it’s a feature of your breakfast. Pack some MCT powder into a bursting-with-vitamins veggie and fruit smoothie, or add MCTs to your morning cuppa, and you’ll be ready to power through your day. If you use MCT powder, rather than oil, it won’t clump and will be flavourless.

If you’re counting macros and struggling to get your numbers up, using MCTs in this way will help you out as well.

• Pre workout shake

If you want that zap of energy just before your workout then pop some powdered MCT oil into a shake or cold drink, give it a shake (!) and gulp it down. You’ll get the energy right in the moment when you really need it.

• Whip up a mug cake

Yep, you may be low carbing, but you can make this keto chocolate mug cake guilt free. Add in a scoop of MCT powder and you’ll get an energy kick instead of the usual post carby cake slump.

• Enjoy chia pudding

If you’re fed up of eggs, eggs and more eggs, or are a vegan and want to avoid them altogether, then chia pudding is your alternative. Enjoy it for breakfast or a later in the day power boost. Add some MCT powder and you take it to the next level.

• Get energy from a salad

Ever eaten a salad and felt inspired by your vitamin download but somewhat lacklustre about the energy potential? Change your opinion by adding some MCT powder to your favourite salad dressing and you’ve just created a lifestyle game changer!

Having shown you how to get the benefits of MCT energy quickly, we know you’ll be keen to get going. However, before you buy MCT powder, you need to know how to get the right stuff.

The right MCT powder

MCT powder is the more versatile and convenient way of getting and using MCT oil. 

MCT oil comes from different sources. So there’s your first choice: dairy, coconut or palm kernel. Check the source. 

Next, you need to check the ingredients list of the MCT powder to understand how this particular powder has been made. Turning the oil into a powder requires a process of mixing the oil with a carrier substance. This mixture is then spray dried, creating a powder. BUT, the process requires an additive – the carrier substance. 

That’s not a problem if you choose the right MCT powder. For example, our coconut MCT powder uses acacia fibre, which brings you the added benefit of being a natural pre-biotic as well as being considerably easier to digest than many other carriers. However, some MCT powders are made using much cheaper starches, such as corn, maltodextrin, or non-vegan sodium caseinate. Then there’s also the issue of ratios. You want to be sure you’re getting as much of the oil as possible. Many manufacturers use much higher quantities of the carrier because it’s cheaper and easier.

There are also variations to the different strains of MCTs depending on the number of carbon atoms it has. Our MCT powder contains mostly caprylic acid (C8), which is easier for the body to use quickly.

So, if you want to boost your energy levels quickly then why not try our MCT oil powder.  Fast food for brain and body!