What is MCT Oil?
Ever heard someone saying they add MCT Oil to their coffee? This is what is in “bulletproof” coffee. So what exactly is it?
Most fats we eat are long chain triglycerides which have a longer digestion / absorption timeline than medium chain triglycerides.
MCTs are a type of saturated fat that is more easily digested and less likely to be stored as body fat. MCTs head straight to the liver where they are turned into ketones. Ketones are a source of energy for the body when carbohydrates are in short supply. They are also a direct source of energy for the brain! This is why many people use it when fasting or first thing in the morning. The highest amount of MCTs are found in coconut oil, which has been classified as a superfood! There are many health benefits of MCT Coconut Oil:
1.) Better Blood Sugar Balance & Weight Loss- MCT Oil may help insulin sensitivity, especially in those with diabetes. It has also been shown to help aid in weight loss. Studies showed that those who made MCT Oil a part of their routine had a higher loss of total body fat, subcutaneous fat & visceral fat than those that did not.
2.) Improved Brain Function - Some research shows that MCTs can improve learning, memory, and brain function in people with dementia & Alzheimer’s disease. Studies also show MCT oil can potentially help those who suffer from epilepsy & children with autism.
“Glucose is the brain's principal energy substrate. In Alzheimer's disease, there appears to be a pathological decrease in the brain's ability to use glucose. Neurobiological evidence suggests that ketone bodies are an effective alternative energy substrate for the brain. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are metabolized to ketone bodies that serve as an alternative source of energy for neurons.”
3.) Improved Cholesterol levels - research has shown MCT oil can raise HDL cholesterol and reduce total cholesterol by 12.5%
4.) Healthier Gut - MCT oil promotes more healthy bacteria in the gut and has been shown to strengthen the intestinal barrier which protects the body from harmful pathogens. As a result, the microbiome becomes healthier and reduces the risk of dysbiosis and leaky gut.
5.) Anti-inflammatory - MCT oil helps reduce the body’s inflammatory response. Research has shown MCT oil is more effective than other oils at reducing inflammation, which has been shown to be the cause of most chronic disease.
Sources:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0226200
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12771322/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975867/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882694/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15123336/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26766547/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24413538/
