What Is C8 MCT And Why Will It Help Me On The Keto Zone Diet?

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , January 31, 2019

MCT oil is great for your health—but there’s more to the story. What many people don’t realize is that there are different types of MCT—and the differences really matter.

More specifically, C8 is a type of MCT that stands above the rest. Let’s look at why C8 is great and how you can use it to fuel your healthy diet.

TYPES OF MCTS AND WHY C8 IS BEST

To understand C8, you first need to know about MCTs and the different types available to you.

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides or medium-chain fatty acids. They’re a type of fat that comes mostly from coconut oil or palm oil. Some dairy products also contain a small amount.

There are four main forms of MCT:

C6, also known as caproic acid
C8, also known as caprylic acid
C10, also known as capric acid
C12, also known as lauric acid

The numbers of each MCT type refer to the amount of carbon atoms it contains. Short-chain fatty acids contain less than six carbon atoms, medium-chain fatty acids contain between 6-12 carbon atoms, and long-chain fatty acids have 14 or more carbon atoms.

MCTS BENEFITS FOR YOUR WHOLE BODY

So C6, C8, C10, and C12 all fall into the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) range. And they have unique benefits:

C6, C8, and C10 all go straight to your liver—instead of through your digestive tract. That means your body absorbs them more quickly than other fats, bringing a quicker source of energy to your body and brain.
When these MCTs are broken down, they become energy-providing ketones in your body—perfect for those eating the Keto Zone diet.
This also means they’re much easier to digest and use than other fats.
MCTs can also help suppress hunger, which assists with weight loss, and they have antiviral and antibacterial properties that are good for your immune and gut health.

(However, C12 MCT is different because it acts more like a “regular” fatty acid, going through your digestive tract first. It doesn’t offer the same benefits.)

Within these MCTs, C8 has even more benefits that make it the best for health, fitness, weight loss, and more.

BENEFITS OF C8 MCT OVER ALL THE OTHERS

Research has shown C8 MCT—caprylic acid—increases ketone levels by three times more than C10 MCT, especially when taken on an empty stomach [1]. (C8 is also more effective at raising ketones than plain coconut oil, which is very low in C8.)

Plus, along with the antimicrobial and appetite suppressing properties of MCT for your gut, C8 is metabolized most quickly by your brain compared to the other MCTs.

This is especially good for those trying to get into the Keto Zone, since C8 can help raise your ketone levels, suppress cravings, keep you full for hours, nourish your gut, and fuel your healthy, low-carb diet—all in one!

CHOOSING THE BEST MCT OIL POWDER

The best way to utilize C8 MCT, and to make sure you get a good dose, is by taking an MCT oil powder. But be cautious: not all MCT oils and MCT oil powders are the same. The ingredients matter.

MCT oil powders typically use some combination of C8 and C10 MCTs. Based on what you’ve learned today, you’ll want to choose the highest proportion of C8 you can.

Some of the top products out there contain about 70% C8 and 30% C10. But our Keto Zone MCT oil powder is 75% C8 and 25% C10, giving you the highest amount of C8 with each scoop! Plus, you can now enjoy it in three delicious flavors: Coconut, Vanilla, and Hazelnut.

What Are Exogenous Ketones And How Can They Help Me?

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 30, 2019

Exogenous ketones have been on the rise lately as more people learn about the benefits of a ketogenic diet. Here’s a look at what exactly exogenous ketones are, plus how you can start using them today for your own health goals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KETONE BODIES

To understand exogenous ketones, you first need to know about ketones, or ketone bodies. Simply put, ketones are an energy source for your body, created by your liver.

The “preferred” fuel for your body is glucose, which is broken down from carbohydrates. But when your body doesn’t have access to glucose, ketones act as an alternative source of energy.

When this happens—either when you’re starving, fasting, or eating a low-carb diet like the Keto Zone diet—your body turns to fat for energy instead. And it breaks that fat down into ketones.

There are three types of ketones your body can make:

Acetone
Acetoacetate
Beta-hydroxybutyric (BHB)

BHB is actually not a true ketone because of its chemical structure, but your body uses it like one and it provides energy like one—so BHB is still referred to as a ketone body.

NOW, WHAT ARE EXOGENOUS KETONES?

Exogenous ketones are just ketone bodies (ask described above) created outside of your body and taken as a supplement. (On the flip side, ketones that are created by your body are known as endogenous ketones.)

Exogenous ketone supplements—like Instant Ketones—contain BHB ketones. BHB is used because it’s most easily converted into energy as a supplement.

BENEFITS OF TAKING EXOGENOUS KETONES

There are a number of advantages of taking exogenous ketones, including:

TO ENTER (OR GET BACK INTO) THE KETO ZONE FASTER

The purpose of a ketogenic diet is to get your body into a state of ketosis (an aspect of being in the Keto Zone) where it’s burning ketones for fuel instead of glucose.

If you’re new to a ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones can be really helpful for getting you into ketosis and the Keto Zone faster. They provide you with extra ketones to use for fuel and boost your blood ketone levels.

In fact, our Instant Ketones can get you into the Keto Zone in less than an hour!

This also helps bypass symptoms of the keto flu, which some people experience when their bodies are switching into fat-burning mode. You can get into ketosis faster and feel great as you do it!

And if you’ve been in the Keto Zone before but slipped out of it from eating too many carbs, exogenous ketones make it easier to jump back on the ketogenic wagon and get back into the Zone again.

TO REPLENISH MINERALS AND FIGHT DEHYDRATION

When you first enter the Keto Zone, your body can drop a lot of water weight and increase its use of key minerals. That’s why consuming electrolytes and staying hydrated are essential when eating keto.

Instant Ketones pairs BHB ketone bodies with the minerals and electrolytes sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This combination has several benefits:

Replenishes your body with these important minerals along with fat-burning ketones
Helps you avoid the keto flu completely, as some keto flu symptoms are solved by remineralization
Prevents dehydration caused by water and mineral loss

AN EFFICIENT SOURCE OF LOW-CARB FUEL

Exogenous ketones are clean source of energy that can be used to fuel your day and even boost athletic performance during workouts! This is especially beneficial for aerobic (cardio) exercises, but ketones can also help slow down protein breakdown during muscle building.

NATURAL APPETITE CONTROL

The Keto Zone diet is known to be amazing for (quick) weight loss, and part of it is due to the appetite suppression from ketones! Imagine less need to snack throughout the day, no crazy appetite, and (finally) control over your cravings.

DELICIOUS TASTE!

This last one is not true of all exogenous ketone supplements. Actually, exogenous ketones have gotten a bad rap for a pretty awful taste. But we ensured that wasn’t the case with Instant Ketones, which are created to be not only palatable but the most delicious exogenous ketone supplement.

Plus, you can add them water, milk, coffee, tea, keto smoothies, and more!

Bottomline, exogenous ketones can help you get into and stay in the Keto Zone faster, support healthy weight loss, and contribute the fat-burning fuel of ketones instantly, at any time. Ready to try Instant Ketones yourself? Order them in Coconut or Limeade today!

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder: 7 Tasty Ways To Take It

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 30, 2019

Hydrolyzed collagen powder is one of the best supplements for your body and health. If you’ve purchased some (or are thinking about it) but aren’t sure the best way to use it, not to worry—below we’ll cover the top ways to get in your daily collagen plus the best times to take it!

WHY HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN IS GREAT AND HOW TO ENJOY IT

Hydrolyzed, or predigested, collagen is a fantastic source of bioavailable protein. The many collagen benefits include healthier joints and muscles, better hair, skin, and nails, fewer wrinkles, and better sleep. By taking at least a scoop of collagen daily, you can support your whole body and overall health.

The texture of hydrolyzed collagen makes it a great addition to just about any beverage. Let’s look at the best ways you can use it throughout your day.

1. MIXED WITH WATER

Although most people like to mix their collagen powder with other beverages, you can easily mix it with water and drink for a quick dose of protein.

2. IN HOT COFFEE OR TEA

This is the most popular way to take our Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen! Just blend in your tea or morning coffee for a creamy boost. You can also add it to your keto coffee along with MCT oil powderand grass-fed butter or coconut oil.

If you enjoy hot tea before bed, you can mix in some collagen to help you sleep. The collagen provides your body with the building blocks to heal and regenerate during slumber. This is why some of our Keto Zone members even use it as a sleep aid!

3. WITH UNSWEETENED MILK

Mix it with non-dairy milks, such as almond or coconut (just make sure they’re unsweetened), or cow’s milk. For more flavor, you can add a few drops of stevia or vanilla extract. Such a healthy treat!

4. MIXED IN HOT CHOCOLATE

For a special health-promoting drink, make this Keto Zone hot chocolate that uses hydrolyzed collagen powder. It tastes even better than normal hot cocoa and is way better for you!

5. BLENDED IN SMOOTHIES

Hydrolyzed collagen is also great in keto smoothies or shakes at any time of the day.

Collagen is great right after exercise, when some extra protein is best, in a post-workout drink. This is especially a great idea if you want to build lean muscle in the Keto Zone.

6. WITH BONE BROTH

Bone broth is another form of collagen in the form of gelatin. For a tasty double dose of protein, you can mix hydrolyzed collagen with organic beef or chicken bone broth.

Bone broth is also a good way to get your keto electrolytes and combat the keto flu.

7. WITH EXOGENOUS KETONES

With bone broth, pair your hydrolyzed collagen with Instant Ketones for a boost of keto-friendly protein and fat-burning ketones! It’s a great way to support yourself on the Keto Zone Diet.

Basically, you can enjoy hydrolyzed collagen in just about any beverage you like. Just blend it up and enjoy! And if you’re wondering about the best time to take hydrolyzed collagen powder, the answer it below.

BEST TIME TO TAKE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

Most people take their collagen with their coffee in the morning to curb hunger (or later in the day if they’re intermittent fasting) and then again at night to support good sleep. However, you can take it at any time you’d like and in any way you like.

You can also take the collagen up to three times per day!

And lastly, make sure you choose a high-quality form of hydrolyzed collagen. We make Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen is made with type II chicken collagen because it’s the best for joints, connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails, and more. You can try it here today.

Is Peanut Butter Good For You?

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , January 30, 2019

Peanut butter is a very popular and versatile food used in everything from sandwiches to dessert recipes to stir-fries and dressings. But is peanut butter actually good for you? And should you avoid it completely, or is it okay sometimes?

The answer is a little more complicated than “yes” or “no,” so below we’ll cover what you need to know about peanut butter and your health.

IS PEANUT BUTTER GOOD FOR YOU? HERE ARE THE FACTS

First, let’s look at how peanut butter stacks up in the nutrition department. A two tablespoon serving of peanut butter, without any added sugars, contains about:

16 grams of fat
8 grams of protein
2 grams of fiber
5 grams of net carbs

Overall, the macros aren’t bad. But there’s more to consider here. Let’s look at some other concerns about whether or not peanut butter is good for you.

1. PEANUTS AREN’T WHAT THEY SEEM

Despite their name, peanuts are not actually nuts at all! They’re categorized as legumes, putting them in the same family as soybeans, peas, and lentils.

Legumes are normally avoided on the Keto Zone Diet because they’re too high in carbs. However, the high-fat and fairy-low-carb nature of peanuts and peanut butter makes it an exception. This is why peanut butter is sometimes used in keto foods like fat bombs and keto smoothies.

Still, peanuts are higher in carbs than true nuts, so they should be eaten in moderation.

2. PEANUT BUTTER’S FATTY ACID RATIO ISN’T BEST

Peanuts are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. However, they contain way more omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids. Considering our omega-6 to -3 ratio should be around 2:1, this can make your intake unbalanced.

And too many omega-6s without omega-3s can be a contributor to inflammation in the body.

3. PEANUT BUTTER MAY CONTAIN AFLATOXIN

This is the biggest reason to be wary of peanuts.

Peanuts are often stored in warm and humid environments before being processed and packaged for consumption. During this time, they can be accompanied by the fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus.

These fungi produce aflatoxin, a mold toxin that can contaminate the peanuts. This is a concern because aflatoxin is a carcinogen associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.

Thankfully crops are tested for aflatoxin, and there haven’t been any human liver cancer outbreaks linked to peanut butter consumption. However, since long-term data is not currently available on this, it’s probably still best to proceed with caution.

HOW TO CHOOSE PEANUT BUTTER THAT’S BETTER FOR YOU

The best way to eat peanut butter is by eating a high-quality variety with a low risk of aflatoxin. The problem is, this is almost impossible to fully regulate.

That being said, if you buy organic and feel good eating peanuts, they can be okay in moderation. And here are some tips for minimizing your mold toxin exposure:

Stick with commercial brands over peanut butter that’s freshly ground at the store. The latter may sit around longer before processing and be more susceptible to mold.
If you do buy freshly ground peanut butter without added salt, refrigerate it as soon as possibleto slow rancidity.
Always inspect your nuts and nut butter closely and throw out anything that looks discolored, shriveled, or moldy.
And if you’re eating keto, just make sure it fits within your 20 grams of carbs or less per day. And avoid added sugars, artificial flavors, or hydrogenated oils.

And for better choices, choose true nuts like almond butter, cashew butter, walnut butter, pecan butter, or macadamia nut butter over peanut butter. They don’t run the same risks as peanut butter and have much better nutrition and omega-6 to omega-3 profiles. (And keep in mind that even these should be used in moderation if you’re keeping carbs low.)

So, is peanut butter good for you? It does have some health benefits and can fit within a healthy diet, but it’s not the best choice and comes with some risks. So if you do have it, use in moderation and alternate with other low-carb nuts often.

Double Your Fat Loss With This One Simple Change

Articles , Blog , HealthBenefits , Keto Zone Challenge , January 29, 2019

Did you know just small shifts in when you eat your meals may drastically improve your weight and body fat loss? According to research published in the Journal of Nutritional Sciences, it really might be that easy.

THE STUDY: SHIFTING BREAKFAST AND DINNER TIMES

A 10-week pilot study looked at “time-restricted feeding,” which is a form of intermittent fasting, and involved 13 participants split into two groups [1]:

Those who had to eat breakfast 90 minutes later than usual and eat dinner 90 minutes earlierthan usual
Those who continued eating meals at the times they usually would

Note: The researchers didn’t even tell the participants what to eat; they only monitored when they had these two meals.

Before and during the ten weeks, the participants provided blood samples and kept diet diaries.

THE RESULTS: LESS BODY FAT WITH DIFFERENT MEAL TIMES

The researchers found that, on average and compared with the control group, those in the restriction group lost twice the amount of body fat!

They also found those who changed their meal times ate less food overall. And 57 percent of participants recorded having either decreased appetite, less snacks(especially in the evenings), and less chances to eat.

These results demonstrate how just making simple shifts in meal times, as we do with intermittent fasting, is such a helpful tool for reducing body fat and boosting weight loss.

By eating breakfast 1 ½ hours later and dinner 1 ½ hours earlier, the study subjects shortened their eating window for the day. They reduced the amount of time their bodies were processing food and the amount of time they had to eat.

As a result, they supercharged their fat loss in a short period of time!

BURNING BODY FAT WITH INTERMITTENT FASTING AND THE KETO ZONE

One important point: The researchers didn’t measure for other health factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides. And while when you eat can make a big difference, what you eat matters for health too.

So just imagine if they combined these amazing benefits of a smaller eating window with the health benefits of detoxing or the appetite-suppressing, energy-boosting, fat-burning, and disease-preventing qualities of the Keto Zone Diet! That’s a winning combination.

Why You Have Carb Cravings And How To Stop Them

Articles , Blog , HealthBenefits , Keto Zone Challenge , January 29, 2019

Carb cravings. They’re one of the greatest barriers to good health and an optimal weight. But they don’t have to rule your life! You just need to understand why they happen and how you can finally overcome them for good.

Below, we’ll cover the biggest reason you have carb cravings and the best way to finally stop them.

WHY CARB CRAVINGS HAPPEN

We all know what cravings feel like: a strong, uncontrollable desire for a specific type of food. Those foods are usually sugar, bread, pasta, dessert, or anything carb-rich.

So, why does this happen?

Well, our bodies get used to using processed carbs and sugar for fuel. Here’s how it works:

You eat a meal high in carbohydrates and sugars, and your blood sugar spikes as glucose is released into your bloodstream.
What goes up must come back down—so that steep blood sugar rise leads to a plummet, and your levels are low again.
This low blood sugar leads to tiredness, fatigue, crankiness, and you feeling the need for a “quick fix” of energy—a.k.a. more sugar and processed carbs.
You give in to these foods again to “feel better,” and the carb cravings cycle continues all over again.

This constant carb struggle leads to weight gain, lack of energy, and so much frustration with your diet.

Not to mention, this yo-yoing and overeating increases your risk of metabolic syndrome, which can include high blood sugar, insulin resistance, unhealthy cholesterol, excess abdominal fat, and high blood pressure.

And metabolic syndrome greatly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and type II diabetes.

Obviously this isn’t good, so it’s time to take control and stop the carb cravings in their tracks.

HOW TO STOP YOUR CARB CRAVINGS—FOR GOOD

The absolute best way to stop the cycle of carb cravings is by entering the Keto Zone.

In the Keto Zone, your body switches from using sugar for energy to burning fat. That means no crazy blood sugar roller coasters throughout the day. You teach your body to use its alternative source—fat—to fuel you without the need for sugars and carbs.

Plus, you’ll be eating lots of healthy fats and high-quality proteins that promote a sense of fullness and satiety. Your body will be content without the need for more.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE CARB CRAVINGS ON KETO?

If you’re already eating the Keto Zone Diet, you will likely have carb cravings at the beginning. This is normal as your body adjusts to burning fat. Your body is still addicted to sugar and rebelling since it’s not getting its fix.

But hang tight, as that will change once you enter ketosis.

MORE WAYS TO CURB CARB CRAVINGS

Sometimes other facts can contribute to carb cravings, so here are some other things to try:

Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep
Making sure your keto macrosare good—high fat, moderate protein, and 20 grams or less of carbs per day—and that you’re eating enough fiber
Making sure you’re still in the Keto Zone—and supporting your diet with keto supplements as needed
Praying on it and giving it up to God
Relieving stress that may be causing emotional eating

Carb cravings are frustrating when you’re trying to live healthfully, but they don’t have to hold you hostage. The Keto Zone Diet can help you conquer them for good and finally get your health where you want it to be. Get ready to start thriving!

The Shocking Truth About Himalayan Pink Salt Vs Sea Salt

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , January 28, 2019

Salt is a necessary food your body needs to function properly.

However, the type of salt you use matters. And there’s often a lot of confusion when it comes to the healthiest sea salt, especially in regards to Himalayan pink salt vs sea salt. If you’ve been using Himalayan pink salt regularly or thinking that all sea salts are created equal, the facts below will probably surprise you.

SEA SALT: GOOD SOURCE OF ELECTROLYTES AND TRACE MINERALS

First, what is sea salt exactly?

Sea salt is made from evaporated water taken from oceans and saltwater lakes (versus table salt, which is mined from salt deposits underground). Sea salt production dates back to prehistoric times, and humans have used it in many ways over the years for cooking, seasoning, and even in non-food products like cosmetics.

Some of the top sea salt benefits include:

Rich in minerals: Compared with normal salt, sea salt has bigger crystals and—if it’s a high-quality sea salt—can contain as much as 60 trace minerals or more. In our overly-processed world today, it’s harder to get these essential minerals from our soil and foods, so a good sea salt can provide your body with more.
Great source of electrolytes: Since sea salt is minimally processed, it’s not only a good source of the electrolyte sodium but can also contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Supports crucial body functions: The electrolytes and other minerals in sea salt are essential for regulating vital bodily functions, such as keeping your heartbeat and muscle contractions healthy.
Fights keto flu: Sea salt is highly recommended daily on the Keto Zone Diet, as it helps prevent symptoms of dehydration and keeps you feeling great as you enter the Keto Zone.

Celtic and Real Brand sea salt are some of the best sea salt brand choices.

Now, let’s address Himalayan pink salt vs sea salt.

Himalayan pink salt is actually a type of sea salt, but there are reasons it should give you pause. Here’s why.

HIMALAYAN PINK SALT: PRETTY COLOR, RISKY INGREDIENTS

Himalayan pink salts have a gorgeous pink color that many love. Unfortunately, many Himalayan salt products are contaminated with heavy metals, especially lead.

A chemical analysis done by SPEX CertiPrep in 2012 that looked at 12 different sea salts found this: The darker or more colorful salts (like Himalayan pink salt) had the highest amount of essential minerals—but also the highest amounts of heavy metals [1].

Of course, if you only consume a tiny amount of Himalayan pink salt, your exposure will be low. But since there are other sea salt alternatives, why not stick with those and avoid the risk altogether?

Ultimately, it’s probably best to skip Himalayan pink salt altogether or at least make sure you’re buying from a trusted brand.

BUT WHAT ABOUT IODINE IN SALT?

The only thing you’re missing when you use sea salt over regular table salt is iodine. Table salt is supplemented with iodine, while sea salt is not.

Iodine is certainly crucial for your health, and iodized salt is one way to get here. However, eating whole food sources of iodine is preferable. Good sources include:

Plus, iodized salt is more processed and does not include the additional trace minerals that sea salt provides.

So overall, the difference between Himalayan pink salt vs sea salt is that Himalayan pink salt comes with the additional risks of heavy metal exposure. Although it can be a good source of trace minerals like all sea salts, you’re probably better off getting your electrolytes and trace minerals from regular sea salt.

5 Healthy Reasons To Use More Cinnamon This Season

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 28, 2019

Once the fall and winter seasons begin, a certain special spice starts appearing more in colder-weather recipes. That would be cinnamon!

Humans have been using cinnamon as a spice for many years—as early as Ancient Egypt—and it was once regarded very valuable. Today, it gives desserts, meals, and drinks a wholesome, festive aroma many of us love. But did you know there are actually health benefits of cinnamon too?

TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON

That’s right—you can enjoy cinnamon and all your favorite fall spices while also supporting your health. Here are some of the top ways cinnamon is great, plus some benefits of other popular fall spices.

1. CONTRIBUTES ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES

Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to disease and illness over time, so consuming anti-inflammatory foods can help fight harmful inflammation.

Some studies have shown cinnamon to have strong anti-inflammatory activity due to its antioxidant content [1,2]. Adding some cinnamon to an already healthy dish is a great one-two punch to inflammation in the body.

2. PROVIDES EXTRA ANTIOXIDANT POWER

Free radicals in your body can lead to oxidative damage, which can lead to disease. Cinnamon contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect you from that oxidative damage.

In fact, cinnamon has been found to have one of the highest antioxidant capacities, along with cloves and oregano, when compared with 25 other spices [3].

In addition, having two tablespoons of an antioxidant-rich spice like cinnamon has been found to increase antioxidant activity by 13 percent!

3. HELPS FIGHT INSULIN RESISTANCE

A common sign of type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance—when your body becomes resistant to the effects of the hormone insulin that helps carry blood sugar into your cells.

Cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce resistance so your body can lower blood sugar levels more effectively [4]. (More on that below.)

4. SUPPORTS HEALTHIER BLOOD SUGAR

By helping to boost insulin sensitivity, as mentioned above, cinnamon has also been shown to:

Increase insulin response by around 20 percent
Decrease blood sugar levels after eating
Lower fasting blood sugar levels by 18-29 percent [5]

Plus, when you consume cinnamon, it can impede certain digestive enzymes that are active after a meal. This can slow carbohydrate breakdown in the gut [6].

5. FIGHTS HARMFUL BACTERIA

One of the most active ingredients that provides many health benefits of cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamaldehyde occurs naturally in cinnamon tree bark and is what gives cinnamon that wonderful odor and flavor we love.

But cinnamaldehyde isn’t just pleasant to smell and taste—it may also help fight different types of infection. It’s been found to have an inhibitory effect on bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus—the leading cause of staph infections—and Helicobacter pylori that can cause stomach inflammation [7,8].

Cinnamaldehyde may also help fight tooth decay and improve overall immune response to infections [9,10].

HOW TO CHOOSE THE HEALTHIEST CINNAMON

Overall, cinnamon is a fantastic spice that supports your health as well as your holiday cheer. However, the type of cinnamon you’re using matters.

The two main types are:

Cassia cinnamon, the most common variety used today
Ceylon cinnamon, which is the true cinnamon

Both types include the health benefits of cinnamon mentioned here, but Cassia cinnamon contains more of a compound called coumarin.

In large doses, coumarin may be harmful [11]. However, in small to moderate doses, it’s probably fine. But if you want to be safe, and especially if you plan to use it a lot, choose Ceylon cinnamon for your next healthy cookies, muffins, or snacks like cinnamon granola or apple chips.

OTHER FALL SPICES WITH HEALTH BENEFITS

Cinnamon isn’t the only powerhouse spice we enjoy in the fall and winter months! Here are some other healthy fall spices and their top health benefits:

Ginger: Contains the bioactive compound gingerol, which contains significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an effective natural remedy for nausea and muscle pain. (The ginger plant is in the same “family” as turmeric).
Nutmeg: Can help soothe indigestion, boost skin health, support cognitive function, and relieve pain.
Cloves: High in antioxidants and manganese, cloves may help support proper blood sugar levels and stop bacteria growth.

By the way, all of these spices make up the popular pumpkin spice blend, which is featured in my new Keto Zone pumpkin spice latte recipe!

Enjoy the season with healthy recipes containing cinnamon and other fall spices. It’s a great way to avoid toxic holiday foods and instead detox, burn fat, and boost your wellness this year with the health benefits of cinnamon.

This One Food Could Increase Your Cancer Risk

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 27, 2019

Recent research has shown eating certain types of foods is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer—even if you’re not overweight.

And these potential cancer-causing foods have one thing in common: low nutritional quality—which is also known as junk foods.

JUNK FOODS: CANCER-CAUSING FOODS?

Most of us already know junk foods are bad for our health, but a new study published in PLOS Medicine has further illuminated the risk of poor dietary foods. Here are the details:

The study looked at self-reported food intake data of over 471,000 adults from 10 European countries from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition [1].
Among those adults, there were almost 50,000 cancer cases, mostly breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Food intakes were assessed using the British Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system (FSAm-NPS), a scoring system that labels food based on health factors like calories, sugar, sodium, saturated fatty acids, fiber, and protein. (The higher the score, the lower the nutritional quality of a food.)
The researchers found the foods with higher scores on the FSAm-NPS were associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially colorectal, upper respiratory and digestive tract and stomach, lungs in men, and breasts in postmenopausal women.

NUTRITION VERSUS WEIGHT AND EXERCISE

The analyses were also adjusted for additional factors like weight and body mass index (BMI), level of physical activity, smoking status, and family history of cancer, according to the study authors in a CNN article.

This showed that the low nutritional quality of foods being eaten was associated with the higher cancer risk, not other factors.

These findings mirror another study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics from 2017, with similar results.

For this study, data was collected on 92,000 women from age 50 to 79 who were part of the Women’s Health Initiativestudy. Then the researchers tracked cancer development in the women over a 15-year period [2].

The data showed that women eating lots of high-calorie junk foods like biscuits, chocolates, and pizza were 10% more likely to develop cancer—even if they maintained a healthy weight.

This just goes to show the power of nutrition and “food as medicine.”

CLEAN UP YOUR DIET, REDUCE YOUR RISK

Our current society is caught in a food-drive health epidemic. Americans are eating an average of 19.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. Junk foods and fast foods are more readily available than ever before, and the convenience is taking a scary toll on our health—the science is showing it.

And it’s a vicious cycle:

The more sugar we eat, the more we unnaturally crave it as our appetite hormones become imbalanced.
So, we keep eating more of these cancer-causing foods and feel powerless against them.
This continues to pack on the pounds while depriving our bodies of the nutrition they need to heal and thrive.

It’s time to clean up our plates not only for weight loss but for overall health and wellness—so we can live our fullest lives during our time on earth.

If you’re finally feeling called to revolutionize your health, conquer cravings for good, lose the weight, get your energy back, and reduce your risks of disease, following a program like the 21-Day Detox and the Keto Zone Diet can finally get you there.

The time is now to care for the physical bodies we were graciously given by our Creator. How are you treating yours today?

Why MCT Oil Powder?The Benefits Of MCT Oil Vs Coconut Oil

Articles , Blog , Health , Keto , keto Challenge Recipes , Keto Zone Challenge , January 27, 2019

What are the benefits of MCT oil powder that outweigh other alternatives? MCT oil powder and coconut oil have some similarities and are both welcome in a healthy diet, but they are not created equal. While you can often use coconut oil and MCT oil interchangeably in recipes, it doesn’t mean they provide the same benefits.

Below we’ll clear up significant differences between MCT oil vs coconut oil and how you can get the most out of each.

First, let’s do a quick overview of both.

WHAT IS COCONUT OIL?

Most people know what coconut oil is: an edible oil extracted from the meat of coconuts. It’s high in saturated fats but contains a unique type of saturated fats: medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs.

Because of their unique chemical structure, MCTs are more quickly absorbed by your body than other fats, so you can use them for fuel instead of storing them as fat.

MCTs also provide around 10 percent less calories than long-chain triglycerides.

Also, because of its high saturated fat content, coconut oil doesn’t oxidize and go rancid as easily as other healthy oils. This means you can store it for longer and it’s good for cooking at higher temperatures.

There are different ways to process coconut oil:

Virgin coconut oil is the best “unrefined” option. It’s extracted from the coconut without chemicals or the use of high temperatures. This is the healthiest form of coconut oil for cooking and baking.
Refined coconut oil is taken from coconuts that have been baked before extraction. Then the oil is passed through a bleaching clay to clean it and kill bacteria. Refined coconut oil is best for beauty uses, such as hair conditioning, but you can use it occasionally for cooking.
Partially hydrogenated coconut oil is just as bad as using processed oils containing trans fats and should be avoided for good health.

There has been a lot of controversy around coconut oil in recent years, but we’ve debunked the health concerns here.

Why MCT OilPowder? The #1 Benefit of MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil

WHAT IS MCT OIL?

As you know by now, “MCT” stands for medium-chain triglycerides like those in coconut oil. And most MCT oil is derived from coconut oil, although sometimes it’s taken from palm oil.

Unlike coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature, MCT oil is liquid at room temperature. It’s also colorless and odorless. This makes MCT oil great for adding to beverages like coffee, smoothies, and other foods.

You can read more about the specific health benefits of MCT oil powder here.

But the most significant difference you need to know about MCT oil vs coconut oil is the type of MCTs used in each.

THE HUGE DIFFERENCE IN MCT QUALITY OF MCT OIL VS COCONUT OIL

There are four types of MCTs:

Caproic acid (C6)
Caprylic acid (C8)
Capric acid (C10)
Lauric acid (C12)

The primary MCT in coconut oil is C12, lauric acid. C12 must be processed by your liver before it can be used by the body.

While it still provides some benefits of MCT, C12 is not the most ideal.

Here’s where MCT oil wins out:

MCT oil contains MCT C8 and C10, which don’t need to be processed by the liver. This means they’re easily used as fuel, and when you’re in the Keto Zone, they’re quickly converted into ketones for fat-burning energy. And MCT C8 is the absolute best because it creates the highest amount of ketones.
Plus, MCT oil contains many more MCTs than coconut oil. You would actually have to eat mounds of coconut oil (at least half a jar!) to receive the same amount of MCTs used in a serving of our MCT Oil Powder.
And since MCT oil can cause digestive upset for some people, we created our MCT oil powder for easier digestion and use. It also contains more MCT C8 than other MCT oils or powders.

So, in conclusion, MCTs are amazing fats. And while you can get them from both coconut oil and MCT oil (and MCT oil powder), the latter provides a much more potent dose than just coconut oil. By all means, still enjoy your coconut oil, but to optimize your MCT intake, be sure to get your daily dose of MCT oil or MCT Oil Powder.

Try a scoop of MCT Oil Powder in place of coconut oil in your keto coffee to supercharge your intake of wonderful MCTs!