What are MCTs?
Of the fuel sources available to the body for energy, there are two main types, namely carbs/sugar or fat. The body converts carbs/sugar into glucose, while fat is rendered into what are called ketones, an organic compound. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which make up about 66% of coconut oil, are a class of fats with their own distinct molecular signature. Because they are composed of carbon atoms linked together in a shorter molecular chain and have a lower chemical weight than long chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs have unique dietary benefits. Pancreatic enzymes break down MCTs more readily, and this in turn allows MCTs to be absorbed and metabolized by the body more rapidly, making fuel for our organs and muscles. The structure and complexion of MCTs gives them a number of exceptional properties.

• MCTs do not need to be broken down by bile in the gallbladder in order to be digested. Instead, they go directly to the liver, which converts them into ketones and releases them immediately into the bloodstream.
• Although the brain typically uses glucose for energy, there is a growing body of research which suggests that ketones are uniquely accessible to the brain as energy when it is no longer able to process glucose. It seems that in the case of Alzheimer’s, for example, the brain is literally starved for energy. Ketones provide an alternative fuel.
• There is good reason to believe that ketones may restore and renew neurons and brain function, as well as slowing down the deterioration of our mental processes as we age. 

Features & Benefits of MCTs:

• Derived from coconut oil
• An ideal nutritional supplement
• A unique oil with culinary properties
• Vegetarian and vegan friendly
• Rich in caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10)
• More easily and quickly digested than other fats
• Increases energy levels and stimulates metabolism

St. Francis Herb Farm’s MCT oil from coconut oil comes in an easy-to-use, pourable form.

What is Ghee?
Also known as clarified butter, ghee is made by removing all water and milk solids from unsalted butter. St. Francis Herb Farm’s natural ghee uses cream from local cows, lending our ghee a beautiful golden colour and an unrivalled taste and aroma 

How ghee helps the body
In Ayurvedic medicine, ghee is known as a Rasayana, i.e. a tonic food source that rejuvenates the body, eliminates toxins, and promotes long life. Ghee’s short-chain fatty acids include butyric acid — an antimicrobial that promotes the body’s good microflora. Most commercial butters contain a maximum of two percent butyric acid; our ghee contains an exceptional eight to nine percent. Butyric acid has been shown to promote healing of the intestinal lining, important for inflammatory bowel disorders and “leaky” gut problems. Our ghee contains a higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than is found in commercial butter. Studies in animals demonstrate that CLA has several important effects:

• Promotes fat loss and improves muscle-to-fat ratio
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves glucose tolerance (significant for diabetics)
• Reduces atherogenesis (formation of fatty plaques in arteries) In addition, a trial confirmed that people who received CLA supplements recorded significantly lower cholesterol levels than those in the control group and experienced significant fat loss.

 Features & Benefits of Ghee & MCT Oil:

• An ideal nutritional supplement
• Derived from coconut oil
• A balanced complement of short and medium chain fatty acids
• Rich in caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10)
• Great tasting
• Easily metabolized & converted into energy

What Is BulletProof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is a drink that uses coffee particularly low in mycotoxins, a naturally occurring fungus found on most coffee beans. You brew your normal cup of coffee, and then add in 1-2 Tbsp of St. Francis Ghee & MCT Oil. The idea is that you have it as your breakfast, and it boosts your energy, improves your brain power and keeps you full until lunch.

Why Use It?
One of the reasons it’s touted as so effective is because typical breakfast foods are very high in starch that quickly digests into sugar in your body. The result? A mid-morning energy crash, and maybe even a mid-afternoon crash too.

When you have a bulletproof coffee, it’s actually making your breakfast entirely fat. This doesn’t spike your blood sugar at all, and results in much steadier energy. Furthermore, the saturated fat in the ghee and MCT oil results in a slower release of the caffeine in your system, meaning more steady energy.

BulletProof Coffee Recipe:

Ingredients
1 cup of brewed Bulletproof Coffee (8-12 oz)
2 Tbsp of St. Francis Ghee & MCT Oil

Directions
Blend all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

About the Author: St. Francis Herb Farm

St. Francis Herb Farm has been formulating herbal remedies of the utmost quality and integrity since 1977—remedies rooted in the traditions of herbal folklore and supported by latest science. Learn more about St. Francis Herb Farm at stfrancisherbfarm.com