Easy, Delicious Valentine’s Keto Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk cream (dig out solid portion) or organic heavy cream
• 10 oz. dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao, divided (such as Simple Truth Organic)
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil OR organic unsalted butter
• ¼-½ teaspoon organic liquid stevia, or to taste
• Pinch sea salt, optional

Optional add-ins:

• 2 teaspoons Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder (Dutch Chocolate Flavor) 
• 2 teaspoons Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Chocolate Flavor)
• 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped orange or lemon peel
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons cocoa nibs
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped nuts or 2 Tbsp nut butter

Instructions:

1. In a heavy pan on the stovetop, bring the coconut milk (or heavy cream) to a boil. Or, using a glass bowl, heat the coconut milk in a microwave for 60 seconds on high.
2. Remove coconut milk from heat.  Stir in 6 ounces of the dark chocolate (should be about ¾ cup or 171 grams). Stir continuously until melted and smooth.  If using a microwave, place the mixture back in the microwave and heat for an additional 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring in between heating, until melted and smooth.
3. If desired, stir in one of the optional add-ins.
4. Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or freeze for about 20-30 minutes, until firm but not solid.
5. Meanwhile,  place a spoon or melon baller in the freezer for 15 minutes.
6. Once the chocolate and coconut milk mixture is firm, use a spoon or melon baller to create the round truffles. Set aside.
7. Combine the remaining chocolate, coconut oil or butter, and stevia in a saucepan or glass bowl.  Heat and melt mixture over medium heat on stove top, or microwave on high in 15-20 seconds intervals. Stir continuously on stove top or between intervals in the microwave.
8. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or waxed paper. Dip truffles into the melted chocolate mixture using a fork or toothpick. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.  Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, if desired, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to harden.  Enjoy!
9. To get fancy for Valentine’s Day in the name of heart health, make several varieties of the truffles like you’d find in boxed chocolates.  After making the original chocolate and cream  mixture, pour it into greased muffin pan circles and add different “optional add-ins” into each. Be careful to reduce the amount of each add-in according to how much mixture is in each circle. Follow instructions as written otherwise.

Makes ~24 truffles.

Nutrition Information (per truffle without add-ins): 83 calories, 7 gram fat, 4 grams net carbs (6 grams total carbs, 2 grams fiber), 1 gram protein

Science-Backed Chocolate Heart Health and Whole Body Benefits 

First, let’s get through the names and spelling. Chocolate is made from cocoa or cacao beans. These two names are often used interchangeably. However, cacao is processed differently. 

Raw cacao is made from fermented, dried, and unroasted cacao beans. Cocoa beans are roasted at high heat, damaging some of the living nutrient components and reducing the flavanols by up to 60%. While cocoa still provides benefits, cacao is superior for health. (1).

Choose raw cacao and cacao products whenever possible. Here’s why.

Cacao Supports Heart Health and Reduces Inflammation

It starts with nitric oxide. When it increases artery dilation and blood flow, it reduces blood pressure especially in older adults and those with hypertension (2, 3).

What’s more, cacao may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.  One review of over 157,000 people showed that higher chocolate consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart issues, stroke and death (4).

Reducing inflammation is also important for heart health. Cacao’s flavanols reduce proinflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory ones (5).

Lastly, cocoa may reduce bad LDL cholesterol and has a blood thinning effect similar to aspirin.

Beyond Chocolate Heart Health, Cacao Provides More Health Benefits in Addition to Heart Health

1.  Cacao Supports Brain Function and Stress Reduction

Let’s start here.

Cacao contains health-benefiting compounds called flavanols. They cross the blood-brain barrier to affect brain health and mood (6).

One flavanol is phenethylamine (PEA). It has natural pain- and stress-reducing properties. It also increases endorphins to improve focus.

What’s more, cacao improves mood by raising serotonin levels and contains theobromine, a mild stimulant sometimes used in the treatment of depression.

Increased blood flow encourages optimal brain health. Cacao’s flavanols increase blood levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates arteries to improve blood flow.

One study resulted in an increase of more than 40% in blood flow in post-menopausal women compared to the control (7). Another study of older adults showed an increase of 10% brain blood flow with just 2 weeks of cacao consumption (8).

There’s more to these keto chocolate truffles.

2. Cacao Promotes Better Energy 

In addition to a small amount of caffeine, cacao delivers anti-fatigue nutrients. These include (9): 

• Iron. Cacao is high in absorbable iron, which increases oxygen delivery to the cells.*
• Magnesium. One serving of cacao provides 100 mg of magnesium, ~25% of daily needs. Magnesium is typically deficient in adults. Adequate magnesium is associated with better energy, better sleep, fewer muscle cramps (including night cramps), and better overall health.*
• Nitric Oxide (NO). When cacao’s flavanols increase NO, they help the body deliver and use oxygen better in the cells, decreasing fatigue.*

A small study from London showed a decrease in fatigue symptoms, in those with conditions involving fatigue, after 8 weeks of cacao treatment (10).

3. Cacao Encourages Insulin Sensitivity

When cells are more sensitive to insulin, they are healthier. They deal with carbohydrates better, require less insulin to store them, and store less fat.

The flavanols encourage insulin sensitivity, and they (8):

• Slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut*
• Improve insulin secretion*
• Stimulate the uptake of sugar out of the blood into the muscle*
• Lower risk of unhealthy blood sugars*

4. Cacao Fights Cellular Overgrowth

Individual components of cacao have been shown to induce “harmful cell” death and prevent the spread of these cells in test tube studies (9).

In animal studies, scientists have found that cacao components support breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, liver and colon cell health (9).

The animal and human studies are promising, but general. More research is needed.

5. Cacao Reduces Free Radical Damage

Sure, free radical damage sounds bad. But what is it and what causes it?

Unfortunately, most everything around you can cause it.

In fact, sun exposure, cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals in the environment and foods, pollution, and even some of our own body’s biochemical reactions can cause free radical damage and its accumulated oxidative stress.

When we consume antioxidants, we consume compounds that neutralize free radicals and work to heal cells.

Cacao has more than 300 different antioxidant chemical compounds and more than 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries. And while other foods’ antioxidants diminish with time, cacao has demonstrated stability in samples over 75 years old (10)!

Our keto chocolate truffles are just what your heart needs!

Bottom Line

What more could you want this Valentine’s Day? Choose raw cacao and raw cacao products for the most chocolate heart health benefits. Enjoy delicious keto chocolate truffles with loved one’s this month!

The post Delish Keto Chocolate Truffles & Heart Health for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Your wish can come true this Holiday Season! Our chocolate desserts are delicious and satisfying. You won’t miss the old way of eating. You can choose health and decadence this Holiday Season. Here’s how: 

3 Detoxifying Keto Chocolate Desserts for the Holidays 

1. Detox Velvety Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
• 6 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 3/4- 1 teaspoon liquid stevia, to taste
• 3 tablespoons Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone (Unflavored)
• 2 medium avocados
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 4-5 raspberries

Instructions:

Place coconut milk and cacao in a medium saucepan. Heat on medium and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in swerve and collagen until completely dissolved.

Next, transfer to a blender or food processor. Add all other ingredients and blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth.  Chill at least 30 minutes. Top with berries and enjoy!

Serves 4, ~3/4 cup each serving.

Nutrition information: 327 calories, 27 grams fat, 5 grams net carbs, 7 grams protein 

2. Detox Chocolate Almond Holiday Fudge

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup organic coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone (Unflavored)
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla

Instructions

Mix almond butter and coconut oil in a medium bowl until smooth. (If your almond butter is stored in the refrigerator and cold, allow it to warm to room temperature so it will mix well.)

Next, add cocoa powder, stevia, sea salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease well. Pour in mix and smooth the top with a spatula.

Place in the freezer for at least one hour to set. Slice into 16 pieces, and serve.

Make sure to store in the freezer, as the fudge softens quickly at room temperature.

Nutrition info (per piece): 97 calories, 2 grams fat, 3 grams net carbs (4 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber), 2 grams protein

3. Detox Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup organic coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Chocolate Flavor)
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone Unflavored
• 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 10 drops liquid stevia, to taste
• 15 strawberries

Instructions

In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil by microwaving for 30-45 seconds until completely liquid. Add cacao, vanilla extract, and stevia. Mix well.

Meanwhile, prepare a plate with parchment paper. Dip strawberries, one at a time, into chocolate mixture, and set on the plate.

Once done with all strawberries, refrigerate and allow to harden. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition info (per strawberry): 57 calories, 5 grams fat, 1 gram net carbs (2 grams carb, 1 gram fiber), 1 gram protein

Raw Cacao’s Nourishing & Detoxifying Power

Raw cacao is an amazing superfood. It supports whole body health and detoxification in many ways. This simply means that it supports the organs in your body that naturally work to rid it of harmful chemicals, toxins, and compounds. Cacao encourages:

• Healthy Brain Function: Its flavonols cross the blood-brain barrier to support health, serotonin levels, blood flow, cognition, and mood. (1).
• Optimal Blood Pressure: Cacao’s nitric oxide is a vasodilator. By increasing the size of the vessels, it reduces the pressure in them. This has been found especially true in older adults and those with elevated blood pressure (2, 3).
• Better Energy & Sleep: One serving of cacao provides 100 mg of magnesium, ~25% of daily needs. Magnesium is typically deficient in adults. Adequate magnesium is associated with better energy, better sleep, fewer muscle cramps (including night cramps), and better overall health.
• Less Oxidative Stress: Cacao is an antioxidant powerhouse. It contains 300 different antioxidant chemical compounds and more than 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries. And while other foods’ antioxidants diminish with time, cacao has demonstrated stability in samples over 75 years old (4)!

Bottom Line

This is a new kind of Holiday Season for you. You don’t have to feel heavy, unhealthy, or fatigued. Instead, nourish your body and feel great with our 3 Detoxifying Keto Chocolate Holiday Desserts!

The post 3 Decadent Keto Chocolate Desserts for the Holidays appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

But these aren’t your average muffins.

Typical chocolate muffins are made with inflammatory wheat flour and loaded with processed sugar. That means they will sabotage your weight loss and ruin your health.

On the other hand, these ketogenic chocolate cream cheese muffins are gluten-free and low-carb. So you can indulge in this guilt-free treat without sabotaging your weight loss on the Keto Zone diet!

Made with almond flour, coconut milk, grass-fed butter, and MCT powder, these decadent chocolate muffins are full of healthy fats.

These muffins are perfect as a low-carb dessert or a midday snack.

Try the recipe out today!

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Frosting

3/4 cup organic cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup erythritol
1/4 cup organic heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Muffins

4 organic/pasture-raised eggs
1/2 cup organic coconut milk
1/3 cup grass-fed butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups blanched almond flour
1/2 cup erythritol
1/3 cup organic cacao powder
4 scoops Keto Zone MCT powder (Dutch Chocolate)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Place muffin cups in a muffin pan.
3. In a large blender, combine 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, eggs, coconut milk, and melted butter.
4. Blend until well-combined.
5. Add in the almond flour, MCT powder, sweetener, cacao powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
6. Blend again until well-combined
7. Distribute the batter evenly in to the muffin cups.
8. Place muffins in to pre-heated oven.
9. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out the center clean.
10. As the muffins are cooking, combine cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, 1/2  teaspoon vanilla, and erythritol in a large bowl.
11. Beat the mixture until well combined.
12. Once muffins are done, remove pan from oven and set aside as you allow them to cool.
13. When muffins have cooled, remove them from the pan.
14. Use a spatula to carefully ice the tops.
15. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Yields: 12 muffins

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Per Serving:

Calories: 270 kilocalories

Fat: 23 grams

Total Carbohydrates: 8 grams

Fiber: 4 grams

Net Carbs: 4 grams

Protein: 8 grams

The post Keto Zone Chocolate Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

But you don’t always have to add a smoothie or coffee to get the full benefits!

You can add a scoop of the Shake into your morning oatmeal, sprinkle on apples for an afternoon snack, and even into baking for dessert!

Our Keto Zone No Bake Chocolate Almond Cookies are sweet and delicious, but most importantly, packed with an abundance of quality fat for all your ketosis needs.

The best part about no bake cookies: You can make them to your own liking and preferences. Substitute gluten-free rolled oats for coconut flakes, use peanut butter instead of almond butter, or add extra cocoa powder for dark chocolate cookies. The choice is yours!

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups creamy almond butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 scoop Keto Zone Shake – Rich Chocolate
• 2 cups coconut flakes unsweetened OR gluten-free rolled oats, depending on your preference
• 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter melted
• 1 teaspoon keto sweetener, like erythritol (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, vanilla extract, melted butted, coconut flakes (or oats), keto sweetener and Keto Zone Shake. 
3. Stir until well combined, the mixture should be dense and sticky.
4. With a spoon, scoop batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to gently shape each scoop into a 3″ cookie. 
5. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to set.

Nutritional Facts

Yields about 20 cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Calories: 403 kilocalories

Fat: 33 grams

Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Net Carbs: 11 grams

Protein: 13 grams

Recipe adapted from Green and Keto.

The post Keto Zone No Bake Chocolate Almond Cookies appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

You probably live a busy and active life. This means you do not always have the time and energy to make a whole foods keto meal from scratch.

Now, with Keto Zone Shake, you can make a delicious and nutritious meal replacement shake made from high quality real food ingredients.

Our Keto Zone Chocolate Coconut Meal Replacement Shake combines the Keto Zone Shake formula with coconut milk, coconut butter, chocolate powder, and chia seeds, to make an amazingly rich and creamy keto shake that is low in carbs and full of flavor!

Ingredients

1 cup organic full-fat coconut milk
1 scoop Keto Zone Shake – Rich Chocolate
2 teaspoons organic cacao powder
1 tablespoon organic coconut butter
1 tablespoon organic coconut flakes
1 tablespoon Living Chia Seeds with Probiotics
1 tablespoon organic cacao nibs
4 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a high powered blender.
2. Pulse blender until ingredients are well combined.
3. Top with extra coconut flakes, cacao nibs, and chia seeds if desired.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 shake

Calories: 275 kcalories

Fat: 21 grams

Total Carbohydrates: 6 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Net Carbs: 3 grams

Protein: 16 grams

The post Keto Zone Chocolate Coconut Meal Replacement Shake appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Like most candy bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are stocked-full of processed sugar and hidden high-carb ingredients. It’s hard to dismiss the constant nagging of sugar cravings, but convincing yourself you can cheat “just this once” makes it harder to stay on track and only blocks your Keto Zone progress. 

Candy bars are delicious in the moment, but as time passes, you begin to feel the negative effects of all the processed sugar. When you give into your unhealthy cravings, your body becomes inflamed and irritated, your blood sugar rises, your energy drops and fatigue sets in. 

What if I told you, you could satisfy your sweet tooth with the taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and STILL consume enough fat to get into ketosis?

Throw away your temptations, and try our Keto Zone Knock-off Reese’s Cup Collagen Smoothie. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1 scoop Chocolate Hydrolyzed Collagen with Probiotics
• ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 3 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add almond milk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, almond butter, and ice into blender
2. Blend until smooth and creamy
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 glass

Calories: 312 kcalories

Fat: 21 grams

Protein: 32 grams

Carbohydrates: 8 grams

Net Carbs: 3 grams

The post Keto Zone Knock-off Reese’s Cup Collagen Smoothie appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Then this easy and delicious Keto Zone Chocolate Avocado Smoothie is for you!

With a base of organic coconut milk and avocado, this tasty smoothie starts off with a hefty serving of healthy fat and fiber.

The addition of Dutch Chocolate MCT Oil Powder and Chocolate Hydrolyzed Collagen adds more good fats and a dose of bioavailable protein with a smooth chocolate flavor.

This recipe is great in the morning to start your day or after exercise to help your body refuel and recover.

Try the Keto Zone Chocolate Avocado Smoothie out today!

Ingredients

1/2 cup organic coconut milk
1 scoop Dutch Chocolate MCT Oil Powder
2 scoops of Chocolate Hydrolyzed Collagen
1/2 a frozen avocado
1 cup filtered water
1/2 cup ice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except for Hydrolyzed Collagen in a high powered blender.
2. Blend on high until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Add in the Chocolate Hydrolyzed Collagen.
4. Blend on low for a few seconds.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Yields: 1 serving

Serving Size: 1 smoothie

Per Serving:

Calories: 555 kcalories

Protein: 25 grams

Carbs: 11 grams

Fiber: 9 grams

Net Carbs: 2 grams

Fat: 45 grams

The post Keto Zone Chocolate Avocado Smoothie appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, our Keto Zone Iced Coffee Mocha will flood your body and brain with nutrients to start your day energized and focused. It supports:

• Heart Health
• Brain Health
• Weight Loss
• Energy and Focus
• Healthy Blood Sugars
• Healthy Digestions, and more

Take your cold-brew to the next level with Dutch Chocolate MCT Oil Powder. The health benefits and taste are extraordinary. Here’s how and why you should:

Keto Zone Creamy Iced Coffee Mocha with Chocolate MCT Oil Powder

What is MCT Oil Powder?

MCT Oil Powder is simply the powdered form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

MCTs are special fats that have shorter carbon chains than most fats in the diet (1). Why does size matter to you?

The size of the fat directly affects its function in the body.

MCT oils are derived and isolated from several natural foods, most often coconut oil. Once isolated, the MCT oil is mixed with a carrier, such as fiber powder, and dried to form MCT Oil Powder.

In fact, there are four types of MCTs found in nature: caproic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acid. Our MCT Oil Powder contains three types of MCTs, excluding lauric (this is an advantage).

Caprylic acid (C8) is the most ketone-producing and possibly the most healthful of all the MCTs. MCT oil is specifically concentrated with C8.

To get the amount of C8 in 1 scoop of MCT Oil Powder, you’d have to eat almost 1/2 cup pure coconut oil!

The shorter the MCT, the quicker and easier the digestion. Even people with poor digestion can reap MCT oil benefits, and everyone can enjoy positive health effects. Here’s how MCT oils’ fatty acids, specifically caprylic acid (C8), affect the body.

7 Proven Benefits of MCT Oil Powder

1. Heart Health Support

Medium-chain triglycerides in MCT oil have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL cholesterol, decreasing the number of LDL particles, and increasing HDL cholesterol (2, 3).

There are three primary ways MCT oil improves cardiovascular health.

First, MCTs improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol). In turn, this improves the total cholesterol ratio.

In one recent study, 17 overweight women were given MCTs for 27 days.  When tested, their LDL cholesterol decreased, HDL increased, cholesterol ratio improved, and plasma glutathione increased (a powerful natural antioxidant). Researchers stated that their cardiovascular risk profile was improved (4).

In another 2018 study, 96 adults consumed butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. When tested, LDL remained unchanged with coconut oil and olive oil. HDL significantly increased with coconut oil. This change improved the cholesterol profile in the coconut oil group (5).

2. Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is at the center of most chronic diseases, and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cognitive degeneration, and more.

MCTs can reduce inflammation in the body. In 2014, 30 adults with high cholesterol and inflammation consumed MCTs for 30 days. When retested, scientists found significant reductions in LDL, increases in HDL, and reductions in C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) (6).

3. Improved Brain Health and Focus

When you’re in ketosis, and you consume MCT oil, your body is able to produce increased ketones.

Currently, scientists are studying the effects of ketones, like those from MCTs, in preserving healthy brains and inhibiting degradation from aging (7).

Additionally, researchers have found that ketones are usable fuel for the brain in those with Alzheimer’s disease, similar to young healthy brains. (8). In Alzheimer’s disease, there’s an impairment in the use of glucose by the brain. Utilizing ketones in the brain rather than glucose may result in memory improvements and brain function (9).

Here’s what researchers found: Ketones are associated with many benefits, including reduced brain degradation from aging and improved brain function (10).

4. Weight Loss

Amazingly, MCTs can promote weight loss and improved BMI. This is great news since even moderate weight loss can improve cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugars, and inflammation.

What’s more, since MCTs and fats, in general, improve satiety you also won’t feel too hungry even while trying to lose weight (11, 12).

5. Blood Sugar Balance

MCTs can improve blood sugars and decrease insulin output, thereby improving health and fat metabolism (13).

In fact, MCTs can help reduce the risk of diabetes by:

• Decreasing insulin resistance
• Providing an alternate energy source to carbohydrates
• Preserving beta-cell health (decline in these cells contributes to diabetes)
• Promoting weight loss

In one recent study, scientists concluded that MCT oils provided benefit to beta cells in both mice and humans. One key to combating diabetes is improving the health of these cells (14).

Additionally, a 2016 animal study showed that MCTs improved both insulin resistance and inflammation. (15).

While more human studies are needed, MCT oil powder is a promising supplement to help improve diabetes outcomes.

6. Healthy Digestion

Amazingly, MCTs can fight unhealthy yeasts while supporting an increase in healthy bacteria and absorption in the digestive tract (5). Unhealthy yeasts plague many people and cause a myriad of digestive and health issues.

Digestive diseases can affect the body in many ways, including:

• Poor absorption, stunted growth, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and low energy
• Direct digestive symptoms such as constipation, bloated, and cramping
• Declining digestive tissues with the risk of ulcers, hemorrhoids, decreased healthy bacteria growth, fungus and yeast overgrowth, and diverticular diseases

MCT oil powder eases digestion, since bile isn’t needed to digest MCTs. In fact, MCTs go from the intestines directly to the liver, and the body quickly uses them as energy or storage. MCTs can nourish those who can’t digest nutrients well.

In one 2018 study, MCT supplementation decreased intestinal candida overgrowth in preterm infants. The candida decreased during supplementation, then increased again once it was stopped (16).

MCTs can improve healthy bacteria levels, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and energy metabolism (17).

7. Energy and Athletic Performance

If you’re looking for a fuel that increases energy, MCTs are one such fuel. Once delivered to the liver from the intestines, MCTs increase energy output in the mitochondria, which are the energy producers in cells (18).

In addition, athletes typically look for ways to decrease lactate levels. When recreational athletes consumed MCTs, they experienced lower lactate levels during moderate and intense workouts than they did with other fats. This may lead to improved endurance and performance (19).

Other researchers found that MCTs reduce high-temperature exercise performance issues and improve overall performance (20).

Bottom Line

There a many benefits to adding MCT oil to your diet. And, now with the new Dutch Chocolate MCT Oil Powder flavor, you can make the best iced coffee mocha you’ve ever had.  Improving your health just got even more delicious!

The post 7 Proven Benefits of MCT Oil Powder and Creamy Iced Coffee Mocha appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

These chocolate covered strawberries are great as a quick keto snack or dessert.

While fruit is generally avoided on a keto diet, berries are an exception. Berries are low-glycemic fruits that keep blood sugar low, so you can burn fat in the Keto Zone.

Made with organic chocolate and fresh strawberries, our Chocolate Covered Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

With MCT Oil Powder added to the chocolate coating, these strawberries also provide a boost of low-carb energy.

So if you want to enjoy a delicious keto friendly treat, try this recipe out today!

Ingredients

8 organic strawberries
4 tablespoons organic coconut oil
4 tablespoons organic chocolate powder
1 scoop Dutch chocolate MCT Oil Powder
1/4 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
Dash of sea salt

Instructions

1. Keep strawberries refrigerated until just before use.
2. Melt coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Once melted, stir chocolate powder in to the oil until well combined.
4. Remove pan from the heat and add in the vanilla, sea salt, and MCT Oil Powder.
5. Continue to stir until well combined.
6. Pour chocolate mixture in to a small dipping bowl or ramekin.
7. Line a large plate, platter, or serving dish with parchment.
8. Remove strawberries from the refrigerator.
9. Individually dip each berry in the chocolate and set aside on the parchment paper lined plate.
10. Once all strawberries are dipped, place plate in the refrigerator.
11. Refrigerate for 40-45 minutes or until chocolate is solidified.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Yields: 4 servings

Serving Size: 2 Berries

Per Serving:

Calories: 85 kilocalories

Fat: 4 grams

Total Carbohydrates: 3 grams

Fiber: 1 grams

Net Carbs: 2 grams

Protein: 2 grams

The post Keto Zone Chocolate Covered Strawberries appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

You really can have chocolate cake on a keto diet.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and still delicious, this keto cake is almost too good to be true.

There is no reason to deprive yourself while on the Keto Zone Diet. Even the most decadent foods can be made keto friendly.

On keto, you can eat your cake and still lose weight!

Ingredients

1/4 cup organic coconut oil
3/4 cup cacao powder
1/2 cup cacao butter
4 pasture-raised eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup keto sweetener
3 tablespoons cacao powder
2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup spring water, boiling

Instructions

1. In a small pot or kettle, bring water to a boil.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
3. In a saucepan, melt cacao butter and coconut oil over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Once liquid, add in 1/2 cup of cacao powder (set remaining 1/4 cup aside).
5. Remove pan from heat and stir mixture until well combined.
6. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract.
7. In another bowl, combine sweetener, remaining cacao powder, psyllium husk, and salt.
8. Combine the baking soda and vinegar in a third bowl.
9. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to fizz and then set aside.
10. Slowly pour the oil and cacao mixture in to the eggs as your stir.
11. Whisk this mixture until well combined.
12. Add the dry ingredients in o the mixture.
13. Whisk well.
14. Add the baking soda and vinegar.
15. Mix well.
16. Finally, pour in the boiling water.
17. Whisk the batter until ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth with no clumps.
18. Grease a cake pan.
19. Add the batter to the pan.
20. Bake for 30 minutes.
21. Cake is done when the center is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
22. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
23. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 16

Fat: 10 g

Total Carbs: 3 g

Net carbs: 2.6 g

Protein: 3.5 g

Recipe adapted from primaledgehealth.com

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