What are the benefits of MCT oil?
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What is MCT oil?
MCT (Medium-chain triglycerides) contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides (the molecules that make up most fats) medium-chain refers to the length of the fat molecule’s tail. MCT oil is a type of fat most often derived from coconut oil but sometimes made from palm oil. MCT oil is colourless, odourless, and can be consumed as a liquid or a powder. MCTs have a unique structure and the way they’re metabolized in your body give them a host of benefits you won’t find in other fatty acids.
Benefits include antibacterial and antiviral properties which can help balance gut flora and support immune health. They are easier to digest than most other fats and can help you lose unwanted fat! They can also suppress hunger. providing quick, clean energy, including brain energy.
MCT oil is often added to bulletproof coffee and smoothies.
Due to their shorter length, MCTs are easily digested and there are lots of health benefits linked to the way your body processes these fats.
MCT oil is usually extracted from coconut oil, as more than 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs. However, they are also found in many other foods, such as palm oil and dairy products.
Did you know that MCT and KETO was good for weight loss?
Taking MCT oil has been shown to significantly reduce body weight and waist circumference. Researchers even report that it could help prevent obesity because MCT oil has been shown to increase the release of two hormones called leptin and peptide YY, these promote the feeling of fullness. Your body processes MCTs differently, which may help you burn calories plus MCT oil has about 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are found in other oils such as olive oil.
MCTs can be converted into ketones, when you cut down on carbs, your body goes from burning glucose to burning ketones, an alternative source of fuel. Your body can use MCT oil as an instant source of energy, which means it doesn’t need to store fat. This process of burning ketones is beneficial to our health, and also causes rapid weight loss. If you’re following a ketogenic diet, then taking MCT oil can help you stay in the fat-burning state known as ketosis.
Furthermore, MCT oil is also a powerful antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial which encourages good bacteria to grow and heal the gut lining. If you have holes in your intestine, toxins, bacteria, and food particles can escape and enter your bloodstream, putting you at risk for serious gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and some food allergies. Gut health is also extremely important when it comes to your weight. MCT oil can help promote the growth of good bacteria and support the gut lining, which in turn could also help you lose weight.
Other health benefits of MCT oil
High-quality MCT oil turns into ketones within minutes, providing your brain with an almost immediate jolt of energy. When you’re on a low carb diet, MCT oil can be converted into ketones, which unlike glucose, can cross the blood-brain barrier and be used as a fuel source for brain cells. MCTs may also help treat Alzheimer’s disease and other related neurodegenerative conditions, which impact memory, behaviour and decision-making.
The ketogenic diet has been known to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in children with epilepsy. Many researchers have shown that MCTs provide energy to dying brain cells, keeping neurons alive in the face of Alzheimer’s and potentially even reversing symptoms. A popular recent book promoting the ketogenic diet for Alzheimer’s prevention is Amy Berger’s The Alzheimer’s Antidote.
MCT Oil Acts as a Carrier for Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they are broken down and are stored in fat rather than water. Because of this, cannabinoids are most effective when consumed with fat, which increases their bioavailability. However, it is the type of fat matters. MCT oil is the most efficient oil to take with CBD, Coconut oil contains saturated fat at levels are close to 80%, giving cannabinoids the fat cells needed to move through the body, encouraging faster processing by the endocannabinoid system.
