Why You Should Start Consuming MCT Oil

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MCT OIL

MCT oil is a supplement made up of medium-chain triglycerides fats that can be found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products.

Most of the fats in our diet are composed of 13 to 21 chains of carbon atoms (called long-chain fatty acids) while fats composed of 6 or fewer atoms are called short-chain fatty acids.

MCT can be found in the middle of these two types and it is made up of 6 to 12 atoms. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲. It is the only fat that is used right away because it goes straight from the gut to the liver, which means that there’s a low chance of them being stored as fat.  

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬.

1. Weight loss

MCT oil helps increase the levels of hormones responsible for the feelings of fullness and so helps control appetite. It can also elevate your metabolic rate and so increase caloric burn! Metabolism is the reason some people can eat a lot without gaining weight, while others seem to need less to accumulate fat.

2. Lowers “bad” cholesterol

MCT oil that is made from coconut oil helps reduce bad cholesterol and boost the good ones!

3. Boosts energy and mood

A steady supply of fatty acids to the brain is essential to think clearly, boost your mood and stay sharp regardless of age. When you take MCT oil, you’re literally feeding the brain!

4. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

MCT oil and coconut oil combined are best for balancing bacteria in the gut. It can help exterminate pathogenic viruses and bacteria that cause digestive problems like candida overgrowth, bloating, constipation, and many more.

Apart from that,  nutrients like vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus need fatty acids in order to be absorbed by the body and MCT oil is the best choice for that!

5. Boosts gut health

MCT oil has natural antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the “bad bacteria” without affecting the “good bacteria. This is beneficial for intestinal health and the digestive system. It also helps control inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokines.

BOTTOM LINE

MCT oil is without a doubt food for the brain but it will also protect your gut health from harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. However, it is saturated fat so having too much of it will have a negative effect on your health. Moderation is key!

Also note that the production of MCT oil as a supplement is not very well regulated so it is important that you buy from a reputable brand and also choose high quality ones. It is also best to use MCT oil that is made up of coconut oil.

There is a very specific type of MCT oil that I recommend. I love this one specifically because it does not contain lauric acid, a medium chain triglyceride that is more likely to be stored as fat rather than burned as fuel. This is why the better quality MCT oils, such as True MCT oil, don’t contain C12.

Add MCT oil to coffee, smoothies and more for sustained energy, fewer cravings and a sharper you!