Why MCT oil could be your new health secret

Good fats are an essential part of a healthy diet. But there really is an oil that can not only boost your energy levels, but also help improve your mental clarity and even help control your weight. Sound too good to be true? MCT oil is said to have exactly these properties. So it’s no wonder that this oil has become increasingly popular in recent years. Let’s take a closer look at this game changer.

What is MCT oil?

The term MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides”. These special fats differ from the usual long-chain fatty acids in their chemical structure, which gives them unique properties. MCT oil is mainly obtained from coconut oil, but contains a higher proportion of these rapidly digestible fatty acids.

The chemical composition

MCT oil consists mainly of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). These fatty acids are shorter than the long-chain fatty acids, which means that they can be converted into energy more quickly. Lauric acid (C12), although also a medium-chain fatty acid, is present in lower amounts and is often metabolized differently. The rapid availability as an energy source makes this oil particularly valuable for people following a ketogenic diet or simply in need of an energy boost. It is produced through a process called fractionation, where the medium chain fatty acids are separated and concentrated from the coconut oil. The MCTs are extracted from coconut oil or palm oil and refined by distillation to obtain a pure product.

The difference between MCT oil and coconut oil

While coconut oil itself already contains some MCTs, MCT oil is much more concentrated. Coconut oil is made up of around 50% lauric acid, which is digested more slowly than the shorter chains in MCT oil. Therefore, it provides a faster source of energy and is more efficiently utilized by the body.

The health benefits

The oil is not only a source of energy, but offers a variety of health benefits that make it a sought-after dietary supplement. Studies have shown that MCT oil can help increase calorie consumption, aid weight regulation and promote mental clarity. It is also thought to have antimicrobial properties and support blood sugar regulation. It’s also a valuable addition to your diet if you’re looking for a way to speed up your metabolism and boost your energy levels at the same time. Start with small amounts and increase the dose slowly to avoid potential digestive issues.

Support with weight regulation and appetite control

A key benefit is its ability to increase satiety, which can lead to lower calorie intake. An analysis of 29 studies found a link between MCTs and lower calorie intake. People who consumed MCTs consumed a moderately lower amount of calories compared to people who consumed LCTs. MCTs also promote the release of hormones such as peptide YY and leptin, which increase the feeling of satiety.

• Increases the feeling of satiety
• Promotes the release of satiety hormones
• Can increase calorie consumption

Increase in energy and performance

Due to their rapid conversion to ketones, MCTs can provide an instant source of energy that improves both physical and mental performance. This makes MCT oil particularly attractive for athletes and people with an active lifestyle.

MCT oil for brain health

The use of MCT oil as an alternative energy source for the brain has attracted considerable interest from researchers , particularly in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Ketones formed from MCTs may provide a more efficient source of energy for the brain and could help to support cognitive function.

Its role in blood glucose regulation

MCT oil may also be helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and therefore help control blood sugar levels, which could be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.

Antimicrobial properties

Caprylic acid and capric acid, the main components of this particular oil, have been shown to have antimicrobial effects that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts. These properties could help prevent infections and promote overall health.

MCT oil in your diet: how to integrate it

Incorporating this health-promoting oil into your daily diet can be simple and versatile. There are numerous ways to incorporate this healthy fat into your meals and drinks.

Practical tips for using MCT oil

You can add MCT oil to your smoothies, salad dressings and even your coffee. It doesn’t have a strong flavor, which makes it an ideal addition to many dishes. Start with one teaspoon a day and slowly increase the amount to test your tolerance. One of the most popular uses is actually adding it to coffee, known as Bulletproof Coffee. This combination of coffee, MCT oil and butter can help you stay fuller for longer while giving you a boost of energy.

The right dosage

The recommended dosage is between one and three tablespoons per day. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount to avoid digestive discomfort. Be sure to include the oil in your daily calorie intake to ensure a balanced ratio.

Application	Recommended quantity
coffee	1 TABLESPOON
Salad dressings	1-2 TSP
smoothies	1-2 TABLESPOONS

Part of a healthy diet

MCT oil offers a variety of health benefits that can make it a valuable addition to your diet. Whether to support weight management, boost energy or promote brain health, this oil is a versatile and effective remedy to try.