Getting in healthy fats from food are vital for the optimal functioning of our brain, immune system, and hormones. Looking at it from a biological and evolutionary perspective, we started out our lives relying on fat in the form of breastmilk for energy and development. And when you consider that 60 percent of our brain is comprised of fat, it makes sense to feed it exactly what it is made of rather than deprive it.
While healthy fats come it many forms, one of my favorites is MCT oil. MCT stands for medium-chain-triglycerides, and are a special type of fatty acid that is six to twelve carbons in length. While MCT oils can be found in two forms—natural and synthetic—natural sources are going to be the purest and most bioavailable to our bodies and can be found in dairy fats, palm kernel oil, and my favorite plant-based source—coconut oil.
MCTs are especially beneficial for our bodies because they not only help us reach ketosis faster, but they can also improve overall brain health and memory, promote healthy microbiome balance, and increase metabolic rate for reduced weight, improved cholesterol and balanced blood sugar.
The great thing about MCT oil is that it is super easy to incorporate into your diet. My favorite way is to add it to my morning beverage. Navitas Organics makes it super easy with their new Superfood Latte Mixes that contain coconut-derived MCTs and your choice of essential superfoods like turmeric, matcha, and cacao in one convenient ready-to-mix packet—all you need is hot water, milk or your favorite milk alternative.