What You Need to Know About MCT Oil: Health Benefits and Properties

What is the effect of medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil) on the body? Fatty acids have many properties that make these substances essential for health. However, they are not synthesized by the human body, but rather they enter it only through food. So, it’s important to pay attention to the diet, including special foods, to understand if and how one is receiving them. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, which is why supplementation is recommended–such as through MCT oil. 

Here is what you need to know about the health benefits of MCT and the advantages of the best MCT oil for keto:

MCT Oil: Properties and Benefits

The human body processes medium-chain triglycerides from long-chain fats. The breakdown of the “normal” fat that enters the digestive system must be supported by bile while the breakdown of MCT oil requires neither bile nor pancreatic enzymes.

For decades, coconut oil has been considered the best plant source of triglycerides since more than 60 percent of the fatty acids it contains are medium-chain triglycerides. However, more recently, scientists have learned to isolate medium-chain triglycerides, creating MCT oil. This oil contains a higher concentration of fatty acids than even coconut oil. 

MCT oil is fats that the body burns for energy. Due to the structure of medium-chain triglycerides, they are absorbed much more efficiently than other fats. In fact, they are practically not even deposited in the body in the form of adipose tissue. Instead, MCT oil is actively converted into energy when absorbed.

The unique structure of the MCT oil provides several health benefits:

• Accelerates metabolism
• Replenishes energy reserves, including being a source of energy for the brain
• Improves digestion (normalizes bowel function and maintains the level of beneficial microflora)
• Has an antibacterial effect
• Helps with hormonal disorders
• Fights free radicals
• Reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol–LDL (low-density lipoprotein);
• Boosts immunity

Benefits of MCT Oil for Weight Loss

Some experts believe that MCT oil also helps when it comes to weight loss due to the positive impacts those same fatty acids have on metabolism. After these substances are easily digested and absorbed, the body then burns them for fuel rather than storing them as fat. MCT oil also provides antioxidant protection, thus reducing the likelihood of gaining extra pounds.

To use MCT oil for weight loss, one option is to replace regular coffee with Bulletproof coffee. This style of coffee is made from 1.5 tsp coffee, 200 ml of water, and 1-2 spoons of butter and MCT oil. The latter is simply added to regular coffee and whipped together with a blender. It’s recommended to drink one glass every morning in place of a full meal for breakfast. This will help to improve mental clarity and to “hold out” until lunchtime without experiencing any distracting hunger pangs.

Regular consumption of MCT oil has the same effect on the body as the ketogenic diet. The keto diet prescribes the minimum amount of carbohydrates to be consumed so that the body will then start producing ketones and converting body fat into energy.

In addition, MCT oil stimulates ketone production even if carbohydrate intake has not been restricted, helping to promote weight loss. However, at the same time, this can be harmful for people with diabetes and metabolic disorders and should be taken carefully and after consulting a doctor.

MCT Oil for Brain, Digestive System & Heart

Fatty acids are essential for proper brain function. MCT oil is easily absorbed and can instantly increase mental clarity.

MCT oil stimulates metabolism, as explained above, and has medicinal anti-inflammatory properties which helps to reduce the risk of obesity and minimize the possibility of cardiovascular disease. MCT oil has a positive effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and, therefore, improves digestion. MCTs significantly increase the absorption of certain types of nutrients without burdening the stomach. After taking it, one feels lightness, there is no heaviness in the abdomen, and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract enter a state of long-term remission.

Also, MCT oil increases the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. As a result, the well-being and symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting improve just as abdominal pain can disappear. The supplement also regulates the pH level and stimulates the production of intestinal antibodies.

It’s notable to mention that MCT oil is worth drinking when consuming a variety of substances: vitamins A, D, E, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, lutein (a supplement to support vision), coenzyme Q10 and even collagen as MCT oil significantly improves absorption. 

Conclusion

MCT oil is one of the healthiest ways to boost your energy levels. Even small amounts of medium-chain triglycerides can help achieve a state of ketosis. Regular use of MCT oil speeds up metabolism, improves concentration and brain function, and helps the functionality of several bodily systems. 

Have you ever tried MCT oil and keto? Which health benefits do you like most? Share your experience in the comments below.

Adam Reeve has been a professional personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 10 years. Reeve is also a life coach, wellness writer, and low-carb diets enthusiast.