STAYING FIT: Nutrition

MCT Oil
an article by Lucho Crisalle, R.D.

I must tell you about this new multipurpose Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil (MCT) that will revolutionize the way you eat! Medium Chain Triglycerides, commonly known as MCTs, supply energy directly to intestinal cells improving all gut functions, especially protein metabolism. MCTs supply 8.3 calories per gram (1 Tablespoon = 116 kcal) yet cannot be stored as body fat like regular fats and carbohydrates. What makes MCTs different than other oils is that the size of the molecule (made up of fatty acids with lengths of 8 and 10 carbon atoms as opposed to the 16 and 18 carbons common to most fatty acids that constitute dietary triglycerides), allows for the fatty acid to be hydrolyzed (broken down) more rapidly by small amounts of intestinal lipase instead of pancreatic lipase for digestion.

The products of this digestion or breakdown are easily dispersed and absorbed in the absence of bile acids. MCTs are able to enter the portal venous blood for direct transport to the liver without being resynthesized into triglycerides. They go right into the blood stream where they can be used immediately for energy. This is why body builders began to use MCTs some time ago. It allows them to follow a low carbohydrate diet before a competition and ensures plenty of energy to train hard while getting very lean or "shredded." Of all the brands of MCT available today, I only use and recommend ThinOil because it is the only one I have found that comes in different flavors making it easy to use in every day cooking.

ThinOil contains 100% MCT oil, a unique plant derived oil, which is metabolized so differently from any other oil that you can literally learn a new way of eating. MCT's have been used extensively in medicine for nearly 40 years, mostly for patients who have difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients or who need a rapidly available source of energy. MCT's have a long history of safe use in human nutrition. How does the body use MCT's differently? Because of their smaller size, MCT's are absorbed directly into the blood stream and carried swiftly into the liver where they are rapidly burned for energy. Long- chain triglycerides (LCT's) - such as butter, margarine, animal fats, and vegetable oil, on the other hand, are primarily absorbed into the lymph system, initially bypassing the liver, so that they take much longer to be converted into energy.

What about energy production? The energy available in a food is determined by the amount of heat released when the food is metabolized and reported as calories. Unfortunately, calories from normal oils (LCTs) may be stored in the body and utilized at a later date; during exercise, these calories may be burned for energy. Because of their unique metabolic properties, MCTs are a source of easily absorbed and rapidly utilized energy. And, here's the best part: ThinOil can be used anywhere you would normally use butter or vegetable oil: in salad dressings, on pasta, baked potatoes, vegetables or popcorn. Use it in place of heavy oils in baking or light sautéing - use your imagination. ThinOil has a light consistency and comes in four great tasting flavors: original, buttery, garlic and olive oil. There are no preservatives, additives or stabilizers in ThinOil and its kosher source is acceptable to vegetarians.

© 2004-2005 Lucho Crisalle, R.D., Exercise & Nutrition Works, Inc.

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