MCTs-What are they?

It seems that MCTs are all over the news. What's the real deal?

You hear about possible health benefits of them, and you are not even sure what they stand for.

MCTs are Medium Chain Triglycerides. They are unique because their chemical configuration enables them to be absorbed easily in the gastrointestinal tract. Other fats need to be broken down and digested with the help of bile acids and enzymes; MCTs are rapidly absorbed intact and travel directly to the liver to be used for energy. Due to this process, MCTs, unlike LCTs (long chain triglycerides), are not stored as fat but used as fuel for the body in a way that is similar to the digestion of carbohydrates.

As is true for all fats, use foods with MCTs sparingly. Fats are high in calories and those calories can add up quickly if you use too much. That's why moderation is always the best bet for overall health and wellness.