MCT Oil : Everything you need to know
Blogs
Home

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know

When you buy through links on LetMeDiscount we may earn a commission.

5 min Read

Some popular keto meals and components have a lot of buzz about them, whether you're just starting out or have been following the diet for some time. When it comes to the ketogenic diet, MCT oil is one of the most often utilized items. An MCT oil supplement is essential for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet because of its numerous advantages and scientific evidence to back them up.

What Is Mean By MCT Oil And What Does It Do?

Healthy saturated fats like MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides, or fat molecules with 7–12 carbon atoms) are present in a number of foods such as butter, palm oil, and whole yoghurt, among others. A procedure known as fractionation is used to remove the MCT's from coconuts, which results in MCT oil.

We generally consume lipids with long-chain triglycerides, but MCT oil has a smaller molecular structure, making it more quickly absorbed by the body and requiring no digestive enzymes. A different form of energy is produced instead: ketones are produced in the liver and quickly used by the body.

Here's how it all goes down: The ultimate objective of the keto diet is to assist the body convert from operating on glycogen (carbohydrates) to running on ketones (fats), which promotes fat burning. For lack of carbohydrate sources, the body must turn to fat reserves for energy. This is dangerous Dieters refer to this condition as "ketosis". In addition, MCT oil instantly raises energy levels by boosting ketone synthesis in the body and promoting fat loss.

In What Way Does MCT Oil Is Differ From Other Oils?

This oil contains the highest concentration of MCTs when compared to other oils, such as coconut or palm. Additionally, MCTs may be found in palm kernel oil, butter and other dairy items such as cheese. Most of the fat in butter from grass-fed cows contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). In dairy products like full-fat yoghurt, the MCT content ranges from 8% to 9%.

Unlike coconut oil, which has a higher MCT concentration, MCT oil does not include any saturated fat. Despite the fact that coconut oil is the richest dietary source of MCTs (55-60%), MCT oil has 100% MCTs! According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the caprylic acid present in MCT oil is three times more efficient than coconut oil in encouraging the synthesis of ketones.

MCTs Various Kinds

Doctor Padre says there are many kinds of MCTs, each with a distinct amount of carbon atoms:

  • Caproic acid is the chemical formula for C6
  • The acid in C8 is called caprylic.
  • Capricium sulfate (c10)
  • Lauric acid is the chemical symbol for carbon 12.

For energy purposes, it is important to know how many carbons each triglyceride has. When we talk about bodies' energy currency, "ATP," Dr. Pedre adds", the longer a chain gets, the more difficult it is for our bodies to convert it into the energy currency of our cells." Fat may be used as a fuel source, however MCTs are a better choice because of their shorter length.

Bacteria fermenting fibers and unprocessed sugar in the gut produce short-chain triglycerides (SCFAs) for energy, which the body uses to fuel itself.

Advantages Of MCT Oil

Based on current studies, MCT oil may provide a wide variety of health advantages.

1. Weight Loss Is Facilitated By This Supplement 1. Weight Loss Is Facilitated By This Supplement See Details
2. It Will Increase Your Energy Levels 2. It Will Increase Your Energy Levels See Details
3. Sporting Endurance Can Be Boosted By It 3. Sporting Endurance Can Be Boosted By It See Details
4. Helps To Maintain A Healthy Gut 4. Helps To Maintain A Healthy Gut See Details
5. It May Facilitate Cardiac Health 5. It May Facilitate Cardiac Health See Details
MCT Oil's Possible Downsides MCT Oil's Possible Downsides See Details
View Detail
1. Weight Loss Is Facilitated By This Supplement
View Detail
2. It Will Increase Your Energy Levels
View Detail
3. Sporting Endurance Can Be Boosted By It
View Detail
4. Helps To Maintain A Healthy Gut
View Detail
5. It May Facilitate Cardiac Health
View Detail
MCT Oil's Possible Downsides

1. Weight Loss Is Facilitated By This Supplement

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know

Doctor Pedre believes that MCT oil's ability to increase satiety and hence aid in weight reduction is one of the reasons for its popularity. Men who received MCT oil for breakfast consumed less calories at lunch than those who consumed maize oil (with meals) in 2014 research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Because MCTs make you feel fuller longer, you're less likely to overeat after eating, according to the study's lead author.

The metabolic mechanism through which your body burns calories to create heat, which can lead to weight reduction, appears to be boosted by MCTs as well, according to Dr. Pedre, citing a small research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. When MCTs (found in olive oil, almonds, and avocados) were substituted for long-chain triglycerides (present in these foods), both lean and obese male individuals showed an increase in thermogenesis. Despite this, there has only been a limited amount of research done.

2. It Will Increase Your Energy Levels

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know

Dr. Pedre claims that MCTs are a quick source of energy, which is why he recommends them to patients. Ketones like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) are produced in the liver from MCTs, in the fasting condition, offer better, more efficient energy for the brain, [suggesting] enhancing attention and concentration.

3. Sporting Endurance Can Be Boosted By It

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know
According to Dr. Pedre, MCTs can aid athletes' endurance by lowering lactate levels (an indirect indicator of exhaustion in exercising muscle). There's evidence that athletes who used MCT oil (rather than long-chain triglycerides) before exercise had less fatigue when working out at moderate and high intensities, according to 2009 research in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminolgy.

4. Helps To Maintain A Healthy Gut

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know
MCTs can aid in the regulation of bacterial and yeast overgrowth in the intestines. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2013 found that MCTs had antibacterial and antifungal activities that might be useful in treating individuals with microbiome abnormalities.

It has also been shown that eating more MCTs helps alleviate bloating and other digestive issues, according to Dr. Bhatia (although more research is needed).

5. It May Facilitate Cardiac Health

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know

Saturated fats dominate MCT oil, but Newgent argues this is a good thing for your cardiovascular health. According to a study published in Nutrients in 2018, MCTs may protect against cardiovascular disease by improving blood lipid profiles. Further investigations on the effects of MCT oil on heart is needed, however.

MCT Oil's Possible Downsides

MCT Oil : Everything you need to know
Though MCT oil is thought to be safe but it may have certain downsides that should be discussed.

You May Feel Hungrier After Taking MCT

While MCTs may boost the production of hormones that keep you full for longer, they may also signal the hunger hormones to release in certain people.

People with anorexia discovered that MCTs boosted the production of ghrelin and neuropeptide Y, two hormones that drive hunger.

In comparison to individuals who consumed less than 1 gramme of MCTs per day, those who consumed more than 6 grammes per day generated more of these hormones.

Even if these hormones do drive you to eat more, it isn't obvious if this is the result of an increase in the hormones.

As A Result Of High Dosages, Liver Fat Might Develop.

High amounts of MCT oil for a longer period of time may store excess fat in your liver.

The liver fat of mice fed a diet with 50% MCTs increased during the course of 12 weeks. Additionally, the same research indicated that MCTs lowered total body fat and improved insulin resistance.

Be aware that excessive dosages of MCT oil, like in the research above, are not advised. Long-term effects of MCT oil require more study, in general.

As of right now, there isn't a specific upper intake limit for MCT oil (UL). In order to ensure safety, it has been recommended that the maximum daily intake be restricted to between 4 and 7 tablespoons (60–100 mL).

Most people only consume 5–10 percent of their daily calories from MCTs. Consuming MCT oil as a supplement to your overall fat consumption is not recommended if you are attempting to maintain or lose weight.

Summary

The release of hunger hormones might lead to an increase in food consumption if MCT oil is consumed. A long-term rise in liver fat may also have a long-term effect.

Where To Buy MCT Oil?

Supplement or pharmaceutical sections of many grocery shops, as well as online, carry MCT oil. A wide variety of MCT Oil ($23,Amazon) options are available, so you can select the one that best meets your needs.

MCT Oil : How To Use

Additionally, MCT oil may be simply included into any food or beverage, as previously noted. There are a variety of ways to use MCT oil in your diet besides adding it to your morning brew of choice, of course (it has a low smoke point, so avoid using MCT oil where heat is involved).

Bottom Line

Should you incorporate MCT oil into your diet? Still a lot of information is out there that has to be discovered. Inquire first with your doctor or dietician about the safety of adding MCT oil to your daily cup of coffee.