Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)


Medium chain triglycerides differ from triglycerides found in the blood serum. The triglycerides found in blood are long carbon chain fatty acids and are not metabolized by the body very well. Thus these triglycerides accumulate in the blood and fat cells that are harmful for health. But medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have a shorter carbon chain and behave entirely in a different manner. MCT is absorbed rapidly by the body and gets transported to the liver, for energy production. MCT does not get rancid, does not accumulate in blood, fat cells and do not get deposited on the abdomen or hips.

Effective for:
  • Cancer therapy
  • Cholesterol gall stones
  • Cirrhosis
  • Cystic fibrosis management
  • Digestive disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Weight loss

Supplements: MCT oil is the most common and versatile supplemental form available both as capsules and liquid form.

Recommended Dose:
Daily dosage 1 teaspoon or five 100 mg capsules taken with meals

Side effects and precautions:
High dosage can result in diarrhea and nausea

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Omega 6 and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)


In an average person's diet today there is an over consumption of omega-6 fats and this is a significant cause for premature aging, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Yet members of omega-6 fats are vital for life. Only these fats can convert themselves to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is needed for production of eicosanoids, prostagladins and is the most natural therapy to fend off premature aging, allergies and other degenerative illnesses. An enzyme called delta-6-desaturase is needed to convert omega-6 fats to GLA which many of us lack and the older we grow we lose this enzyme. The enzyme is built from vitamin c, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, zinc and magnesium.



GLA Effective for:
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Diabetic complications
  • Dry skin
  • e.coli bacterial infections
  • Healthy skin
  • High cholesterol
  • Immune weakness
  • Multiple sclerois
  • Obesity
  • Pre menstrual syndrome
  • Schizophrenia

Supplements: A good source of GLA is evening primrose oil or borage oil. GLA is also found in black currant seeds.

Recommended Dose:
  • 240 mg of GLA daily
  • 270 mg of GLA for brittle nails, dry eyes, dry mouth
  • 300 mg to 500 mg for eczema
  • 400 mg of GLA daily for lowering blood cholesterol, diabetic complications
  • 1400 mg  of GLA (taken along with Omega 3) for rheumatoid arthritis