MCTs—or medium-chain triglycerides—are a type of saturated fat derived from coconuts. What makes them so unique is that they go directly from the gut to the liver, where they’re quickly converted into ketones (a type of chemical that your body uses for energy and that also breaks down fats).
In layman’s terms, MCTs not only give you quick energy, they also help fight that pesky pudge around your waistline.
In one 2010 study, 31 men and women consumed either MCT oil or olive oil for 16 weeks. Bodyweight and circumference were measured weekly, and fat tissue was assessed at the end of the 4 months.
As expected, those supplementing with MCT oil experienced a greater reduction in total fat mass (14).
And as we know, when belly fat decreases, the risk of health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure decrease, too (15)
7. Reduce Stress
Stress ages people.
Just look at the real-life example of a president beginning his four-year term and that same president four years later. More often than not, they look much older, grayer, and fatigued.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress speeds up the aging process by adding years onto individual immune system cells (16).
The above study assessed the telomeres and stress levels of 58 healthy premenopausal women.
The astonishing result: The highly stressed women’s immune system cells aged by an extra ten years. Yikes!
Because we live in a culture where stress is the norm, how can one effectively reduce the exhaustion, high blood pressure, and anxiety that accompanies stress?
Well, the above five tips are a fantastic start…
In addition to sleeping, eating, and moving well; taking a collagen supplement; drinking plenty of water; and eating healthy fats, you can focus on cultivating healthy relationships, practicing breathwork, and spending time doing a hobby you love.
