MCT Oil Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction?
MCT Oil is commonly used to aid in weight loss, help control appetite, provide that extra energy boost when exercising, and reduce inflammation.
It is made from coconut or palm kernel oil and is considered a healthy fat. MCT molecules are smaller than most fats you eat, making them easier to digest. It absorbs into your bloodstream quickly, turning into energy you can use.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT oil, also known as Medium-Chain Triglycerides, comes from certain oils and dairy products. The MCT molecules are smaller and shorter, making them easier to absorb into your bloodstream and metabolize, which then converts into energy your body uses. Because the molecules of MCT are short in length, it makes them easier to consume and digest.
When consumed, they travel directly from the gut to the liver, instantly turning into fuel and being used as energy or converted to ketones. They are converted into energy so fast that they are less likely to be stored as fat in the body.
The primary source of MCT oil comes from coconut oil. Most MCT supplements you see today come from such fats and can be found in:
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, collards, parsley
- Seaweed: Spirulina, chlorella, dulse, kelp
- Other vegetables: Broccoli, beets, carrots, tomatoes, green cabbage
- Grasses: Barley grass, wheatgrass, oat grass, alfalfa grass
- High-antioxidant fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, goji, and acai berries
- Nutritional extracts: Green tea extract, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba extract
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis
- Plant-based digestive enzymes: Amylase, cellulase, lipase, papain, protease
- Herbs: Holy basil, astragalus, echinacea, milk thistle
- Mushrooms: Maitake mushroom extract, shiitake mushroom extract
- Natural sugar substitutes: Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract
- Extra fiber: Rice bran, inulin, apple fiber
Health Benefits of MCT Oil
Promotes Weight Loss & Overall Health
MCTs, increase the release of hormones leptin and peptide YY, which causes a lower rise in glucose and triglycerides and stimulates the feeling of fullness in the body. When you are full longer, you snack less, reducing waist circumference and body weight.
MCTs are recommended to prevent obesity, support the growth of good gut bacteria, boost good cholesterol, and lower your blood sugar. All of these factor into the increase in your overall health.
Instant Energy Source & Better Brain and Memory Function
Due to their structure and size, the body's ability to absorb MCTs faster is an instant energy source. The liver converts the MCTs into ketones, passing through the blood-brain barrier into the brain, providing a great energy source for the brain. With extra fuel for the brain, you will notice an improvement in your overall focus and memory.
Help Convert Fat to Energy & Endurance During Exercise
We are led to believe that carbs are the source of energy. However, this seems wrong. HEALTHY FATS are converted into energy! MCT is known to prevent lactate build-up. When you have high lactate build-up, you have less motivation and energy, preventing you from performing at a high level.
It contains Fatty Acids That Fight Bacteria & Yeast Growth.
MCT contains anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of yeast known as Candida Albicans. This yeast is known to cause thrush and several skin infections.
How do I use MCT Oil?
There are many ways to incorporate MCT oil into your daily routine. The most common method you will find is by adding MCT oil into coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, and even salad dressings. Even though most MCT oil is made from 100% pure organic coconut oil, it is flavorless, so it will not add a coconut flavor and makes it easy to incorporate into any dish!
MCT oil combines well with other supplements such as collagen peptides, whey protein, and bone broth protein. Together, the fat from MCT and the proteins make up a nutrient-dense food source that will keep you full and energized throughout the day.
MCT oil is easy to use! You can blend, drizzle, or even replace it with cooking oil. It stays in a constant liquid form and won't turn solid at room temperature or in the fridge. It can be used when cooking at low to mid temperatures and has a lower smoking point at 320°F.
There are many enjoyable methods to boost your intake of MCTs, but if you're taking MCT oil for the first time, there is such a thing as "too much." Use the recommended daily dose (usually 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the brand and concentration of pure MCTs).
- Many people have put MCT Oil in coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, or salad dressings.
- MCT oil is flavorless: Even though our MCT oil is made from 100% pure organic coconut oil, it is bland, so it works well in any dish without adding any coconut flavor.
- Combined with other supplements: MCT Oil blends well with collagen peptides, whey protein, and bone broth protein. Together, the fats and proteins make a nutrient-dense food source that will keep you full and energized for hours.
- There is no need to melt MCT oil before using it in a recipe because it won't solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- MCT Oil may be used for cooking at low to medium temperatures. Compared to its relative coconut oil, whose smoke point is 350°F, MCT oil has a lower smoke point of 320°F. The lipids begin to be harmed at temperatures exceeding 320°F, diminishing the benefits of MCT oil.
Commonly Asked Questions
Does MCT Oil make you poop?
MCT Oil may make bowel motions more frequent. It's unclear, though, how much this frequency will be raised.
Does MCT Oil keep you awake?
No. MCT Oil does not cause insomnia. Instead, it helps you sleep better. But, if you are starting and are not used to any MCT, start slowly.
Does MCT Oil make you lose weight?
MCT Oil can strengthen the intestinal lining and enhance the development of beneficial bacteria, aiding in weight loss. By enhancing satiety, fat loss, energy expenditure, ketone generation, and the environment in your stomach, MCT oil may aid in weight reduction.
Further Reading
https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/video/what-is-mct-oil/
https://www.healthnerdy.com/mct-oil-benefits/
https://naturalforce.com/blogs/nutrition/cooking-with-mct-oil