What Is MCT Oil & What Are the Health Benefits?
MCT oil consists of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s), which are a type of saturated fatty acid.
Medium chain triglycerides are easier for the body to absorb and utilize than long-chain triglycerides. They also have a number of great benefits including increased energy, satiety and improved focus. MCT oil is a popular staple of the ketogenic diet. Including them as part of a keto diet can speed up the process of entering ketosis, as they are easily converted into ketones in the liver, which can be used as an alternative source of energy to glucose.
Coconut oil is a common and popular source of MCT’s. You’ll be happy know that MCT oil has no odor, making it perfect to add to coffee, smoothies and meals! Adding MCT oil to black coffee has gained popularity by those following keto as it’s a great way to support fat burning during the morning.
The 4 forms of MCT’s found in coconut oil include:
Caproic acid - 6 chains of carbon (C6)
Caprylic Acid – 8 chains of carbon (C8)
Capric Acid – 10 chains of carbon(C10)
Lauric Acid – 12 chains of carbon (C12)
Fats consist of chains of carbons atoms. The number of carbon atoms per chain influences the amount of time it takes to be converted into ketones.
Benefits of MCT oil summarised:
Aids in weight loss by promoting saiety, due to their role in releasing the hormone leptin
Support brain function as they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and are then used for the brain as energy
Supports balanced hormones
Improve concentration and mental clarity
Support endurance during exercise
Are utilized as fuel, instead of being stored as fat