The Health January/February 2023 | Page 15

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY , 2023 | THE HEALTH

15 the feeling of fullness in the body 14 . Some studies have shown that taking MCT oil could help reduce body weight and waist circumference 15 .

Tocotrienols are a lesser-known ingredient that can aid in weight management . Animal studies have shown that Tocotrienols can reduce body fat by stopping the development and accumulation of fat cells , support the reduction of fat in cells and at the same time reduce proteins involved in making more fatty acids 16 .
One of the key complications of obesity is diabetes . Research in diabetic models has shown that Tocotrienols supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity , and help to restore blood glucose and insulin levels 17 , 18 . A clinical trial on 229 diabetic patients showed that Tocotrienols supplementation could improve blood sugar levels 19 . c . Brain and nervous system protection Dementias , like Alzheimer ’ s disease , are brought about by progressive cognitive decline as a person ages .
As dementia develops , the brain gradually loses the ability to utilise glucose for energy . MCTs offer the brain an alternative energy source in the form of ketones , which could allow brain cells to survive better 20 . Studies have also shown that MCTs could protect brain cells from cell death due to toxic reactions , stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) production , and increase autophagy 21 , 22 , 23 . High BDNF levels could lower the risk for Alzheimer ’ s disease or dementia by up to 33 per cent 22 . Research
Figure 2 : Chemical structure of Tocotrienols .
shows that autophagy supports the central nervous system , improves brain function and reduces neurological cellular breakdown 24 .
Oxidative stress also plays a key role in the loss of brain cells and the progression to dementia 25 , 26 . Animal studies with Tocotrienols supplementation have demonstrated the protection of brain cells from free radicalinduced cell death , reduced DNA damage in brain cells , and improved cognitive function 27 , 28 . Clinical studies with Tocotrienols supplementation have reported reduced numbers of white matter lesions and reduced risks of Alzheimer ’ s disease by up to 64 pr cent 29 .
OIL PALM : THE PERFECT NATURAL SOURCE OF MCTs AND TOCOTRIENOLS
It is clear that consuming MCTs has a lot of benefits and consumer demand for this is high . MCTs can be produced from oil palm and coconut , but coconut is the more popular option among consumers as they perceive it as the more environmentally-friendly option . Unfortunately , recent reports have highlighted data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) saying that coconut threatens some 18.3 species per million metric tonnes of oil produced , followed by olive with 4.1 species , oil palm with 3.8 and soybean , 1.3 . Despite its positive reputation , coconut has a surprisingly large negative impact on tropical biodiversity 30 .
It is important to understand that all crops and commodities have environmental consequences , and this includes both oil palm and coconut . The oil palm industry has put in years of effort to build in sustainable practices across its supply chain and it is possible to source for sustainably-produced palm oil products .
Another unique feature of oil palm is the fact that it is also a natural source of Tocotrienols , something coconut is not . Palm oil naturally contains the full spectrum of Tocotrienols isomers ( alpha , beta , gamma and delta-isomers ) and alpha-Tocopherol . It is truly a powerhouse of nutraceuticals that can meet the demands of consumers .
APPLYING MCTs AND TOCOTRIENOLS TO YOUR DIET
Nourishing our body well is the crucial first step towards maintaining overall wellness . It is clear that MCTs and Tocotrienols are powerhouse nutraceutical ingredients that should be included in your daily diet .
Importantly , it is easy to incorporate MCT into your daily routine . MCT oil can easily be added to your morning coffee , or to salads . However , the dosage depends on how long you have been taking it . People new to MCT should start with a very low dosage ( approximately one teaspoon ) and gradually increase it because MCT oil can cause stomach distress if taken inappropriately .
Tocotrienols are available as soft gels or as a sachet drink , and it is generally recommended to take 50 mg to 100 mg of Tocotrienols daily to promote overall wellness . – The Health
This article is contributed by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council ( MPOC ) and KLK OLEO
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