What Are the Health Benefits of MCT Oil?

Weight loss has been a cultural craze for decades now, and people are looking for ways to shed a few pounds in the most efficient way. That is why interest in MCT oil and the ketogenic diet has grown rapidly over the last few years.

Many advocates boast the ability of MCT to keep you in ketosis and aid in weight loss. But that’s not even half of the benefits it offers! MCT oil is claimed to be beneficial for the gut, brain, energy, and some diseases. Learn all about MCT oil now and the many health benefits it can give you!

What is MCT Oil?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats found in foods such as coconut oil and kernel oil that are metabolized differently than other long-chain triglycerides (LCT). MCT oil is a supplement with MCT and is claimed to have various benefits.

To keep it simple, remember that triglyceride means fat. Their purpose is to be burned for energy or stored as body fat. All of them contain a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. 

The medium in MCT means they are composed of only 6 to 12 carbon molecules, compared to other LCTs with 13 to 2 carbon molecules which are much harder to be broken down. This means that MCT oil is absorbed straight into the stomach, sent into the bloodstream, and transported to the liver.

MCTs then convert into ketones as they enter the liver for instant energy or stored fat. When you enter ketosis, you burn fat instead of glycogen, that is why the keto diet is so popular for weight loss. As the calories in MCTs are used straight away, they are less likely to be stored as fat.

MCT oil is highly concentrated and is made of capric and caprylic acid. Other foods that contain MCTs are palm oil, butter, cheese, whole milk, and full-fat yogurt. Take note that MCT oil is not the same as coconut oil. Coconut oil is made up of about 60% of MCT, while MCT oil is pure MCT.

MCT oil doesn’t taste of anything, is odorless, and liquid at room temperature, so it can be mixed with many different foods and drinks.

Is MCT Oil Healthy?

MCT oil is a form of saturated fat, so many might wonder if it’s unhealthy to use. You might be asking whether or not it clogs arteries, increases cholesterol levels, and contributes to heart disease. 

This is usually assumed since saturated fats increase cholesterol, yet that‘s only half of the story. Remember that there are two types of cholesterol: HDL, which reduces the risk of diseases, and LDL, which does the opposite. MCT oils increase both kinds of cholesterol.

Different meta-analysis studies and research indicates that saturated fat does not contribute to heart disease, and may even lower the risk of stroke. 

What Are the Health Benefits of MCT Oil?

Despite the controversies, there are several benefits of MCT oil. Some of these are scientifically-backed, while others are yet to be proven.

Enhances Ketosis and Weight Loss

Adding MCT oil to your diet is a great way to shed off a few pounds easier. This is more effective if you’re following a high-fat, low-carb diet like the ketogenic diet. Avoiding glucose and consuming high amounts of fats, particularly MCTs, causes the body to burn excess fat during the process of ketosis.

If you’re going to consume more fats on this diet, you might as well go for MCTs instead of LCTs as the former can reduce body weight and fat more easily. It also keeps you satiated so you won’t have those midnight cravings. 

MCT oil can also cause increased energy expenditure, which results in more burned calories.

Improves Athletic Performance

MCT oil is also known for being an effective performance booster when added to your diet. Most athletes use MCT oil as a workout supplement to stay energetic and active and to decrease body fat while increasing lean muscle.

One study revealed that MCT can decrease lactate acid buildup which then decreases athletes’ perceived exertion and increases stamina during HIIT. 

Improves Risk Associated with Diabetes

Many health professionals warn that the keto diet may increase the risk of diabetes, but patients with controlled diabetes can obtain a lot of benefits when they increase their MCT intake.

Improves Brain Health and Helps with Autism

There have been many studies that associate MCT oil with better brain health. This is because it acts as fuel for the central nervous system as they quickly penetrate the bloodstream. One study found that adding MCT to the diets of patients with moderate Alzheimer’s Disease can improve their cognitive functions.

It can also improve behavior in people with an autism spectrum disorder.  shows people with autism who ate a gluten-free keto diet with MCT oil supplements had significant improvements in their behaviors in terms of fear, nervousness, and more.

Improves Gut Health

Consuming MCT can aid digestion and serve as a sort of probiotic in the gut as they boost immunity and target the harmful bacteria without destroying the good ones in your stomach. Studies also show that they inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause diarrhea.

They can also be useful for those with gastrointestinal illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and gallbladder infections. This is because MCTs are shown to increase intestinal permeability and otherwise improved gut health in studies.

It is also has some great anti-inflammatory benefits as well.

An Oil-In-One Supplement!

It seems that MCT oil has it all! The interest in medium-chain triglycerides has grown rapidly because of their weight loss benefits. These fats work by metabolizing uniquely as they are absorbed straight into the gut, sent into the bloodstream, and moved directly to the liver to produce ketones. 

MCT oil is a pure derivative that almost exclusively contains medium-chain triglycerides, which not only aid in ketosis and weight loss, but also athletic performance, brain function, gut health, and even diabetes.

Despite the growing body of research that suggests how advantageous MCT oils are, it is always best to consult your doctor first, especially if you have certain health issues. But if you’re completely healthy, then adding MCT oil to your diet may be worth a try! 

Try out this Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil and see the benefits for yourself.