MCTS, BEETS, REDS AND WHY INCLUDE THEM IN VEGAN PROTEIN POWDERS
MCTS, BEETS, REDS AND WHY INCLUDE THEM IN VEGAN PROTEIN POWDERS
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are naturally occurring fatty acids of the ‘good’ kind that are well-known for their beneficial effects on the body. Compare these with long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), such as the fatty acids found in seafood that help lower blood pressure and perform other functions than MCTs.
Triglycerides are not something new or innovative. They are an essential part of the human diet. The key is to find reliable sources of quality MCTs, take them in a regular form (such as a daily vegan protein smoothie) and ensure your body is well provisioned.
MCTs are actually composed of at least four medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), namely:
- C-6 (caproic acid)
- C-8 (caprylic acid)
- C-10 (capric acid)
- C-12 (lauric acid)
Of these, the first three are important as the lower the number, the simpler they are for your body to ingest and transform into ketones.These are substances your body uses to break down bodily fat when your carbohydrate intake isn’t sufficient to provide the required energy. Supporting your metabolism enhancers such as vegan protein and thermogenic foods, MCTs can help use up stores of fat.
You may have heard of a ketogenic diet, and this is basically a lowered carb intake that produces the conditions for your body to go ahead and start burning fat. MCTs are essential for providing the acids that let this process happen, so encouraging weight loss/maintenance through dietary planning.
You may have also read that MCTs are present in coconut oil. This is true, although around 50-65% of this oil is actually the C-12 lauric acid, a longer-chain that is more difficult to convert to ketones. Lauric acid may help with fat loss and lowering cholesterol levels, but it is not the direct source of energy necessary for initiating the ketogenic process.
So, if coconut oil is not the optimal source for MCTs, you should search for the powder products with the right MCT sources, namely those scientifically formulated to provide you with the right cross-section of acids to do the job, along with key nutrients and proteins required for a vegan diet. Better still, find a premium vegan protein powder with MCT included so you need not buy a separate supplement.
Basically, MCTs are essential for people looking to increase energy levels and build up endurance by improving your thermogenesis, burning fat at a higher rate to improve cellular energy production. They do this better than LCTs,
So, what else do MCTs do?
MCT, VEGAN PROTEIN AND YOUR BRAIN
MCTs can help improve brain function and focus.
How is this possible?
Because ketones, along with glucose, are the only two substances your brain can use for fuel. So when you ingest MCTs you are supplying a pure, direct energy credit to your grey matter, powering your ability to concentrate and operate effectively at work, during workouts, or for whatever focus you require. It’s like filling your tank with a premium fuel.
And, because of this clean brain food aspect of MCTs, doctors have suggested that they could be beneficial in ageing to promote an active, focussed and healthy functioning of the mind. So when you take a premium vegan protein with MCT on a regular basis, not only do you get the benefits of more energy, you also get a fuel injection direct to your grey matter
APPETITE SUPPRESSION
Do you sometimes wonder how some people are able to stave off hunger pangs for days on end with a lean cleansing diet and a few vegan protein shakes? In studies with subjects on low, medium and high-level MCT diets, the results indicated that calories were consumed at a lower rate in the higher MCT cases. This actually means that opting for a rich intake of MCTs in your diet actually limits the excess energy intake normally associated with diets that promote high fat/high burn for weight loss.
Since such diets also involve weight gain due to the calorie intake, choosing MCTs instead has the opposite effect, reducing that weight gain potential and helping you streamline your intake for cleaner, less bulky results.
MCT are shorter in length than LTCs, so you absorb them faster. This means you reach a feeling of satiety, or fullness, quicker. This in turn suppresses your desire to eat more.
So, as well as burning fat faster, MCTs help you feel more satisfied in eating less.The effect of this isn’t just physical, it’s also very mental. Being adequately supplied with nutrition gives you a sense of well-being, and a good mood sets the tone for an effective day. The yoga bodies that you see at the gym could be a result of a premium protein powder supplemented with MCT.
IMMUNE FUNCTION
MTCs may have a pronounced effect on how your body is able to defend itself. Ongoing research indicates that the effect is due to MTCs acting in your intestines to encourage the opening of pathways that allow beneficial substances such as Interleukin-8 (IL-8) to pass through. IL-8 is an important chemical that encourages your body’s immune response to jump up to the next gear when a site of infection is detected.
Basically, MCTs boost your ability to protect yourself, sending help to the problem faster and getting you back on your feet quicker. It’s an essential part of the process that lets you fight bacteria and viral infection.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS
A conscientious approach to an active vegan lifestyle means ensuring you receive a full spectrum of everything your body and mind require to make you your best functioning self.
That’s easier said than done.
Quality vegan protein sources are critical, and bundling MCTs into that mix is an essential way to optimize your ability to power your body and get the most out of your mental fitness at the office or your physical endurance at the gym.
Chocolate plant protein in your brownie, the best-tasting pea or vegan protein powder in your lunch, or the most delicious chocolate vegan protein powder (again, because why not?) in your post-workout shake are all short-changing you if they don’t contain MCTs that are specifically combined to deliver extra benefits.
No, lets talk, BEETS
Vibrant red or gold beetroot has been planted everywhere from the ancient Mediterranean to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In modern times, hybrid species of beets even have candy-cane stripes of red and white. All colors of beetroot have the same rich, earthy taste and liven the plate with their rainbow hues.
The leaves and roots of beets are packed with nutrition, including antioxidants that fight cell damage and reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re one of the few vegetables that contain betalains, a powerful antioxidant that gives beets their vibrant color. Betalains reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer and other diseases.
Beets Health Benefits
Beets have many helpful plant compounds that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Some of the other health benefits of beetroot include:
Increase Stamina
Beetroot and its juice help your heart and lungs work better during exercise. Nitric oxide from beets increases blood flow to your muscles. Some athletes eat beetroot or drink beet juice when exercising to improve their performance.
Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke
Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9) which helps cells grow and function. Folate plays a key role in controlling damage to blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lower Blood Pressure
Beets are naturally high in nitrates, which are turned into nitric oxide in the body. This compound lowers blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax and widen.
Boost Your Immune System
Beets are high in fiber and promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Having plenty of healthy bacteria in your digestive system helps fight disease and boost your immune system. Fiber also improves digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
Nutrition
Beetroot nutrients include folate—a vitamin that helps keep your blood vessels healthy—and potassium to help protect your heart.
Why settle for basic protein powder when you can combine the benefits, All-In-One, GREEN and LEAN to access the top quality, 6AMRun nutrients you demand?
Check the labels. Do your homework. Ensure you’re choosing the best vegan protein powder choices that fully include Beets, MCTs. They’re an essential part of your daily intake, so don’t miss out on the many benefits they offer.