MCT oil is one of the most popular supplements for ketogenic dieters, and for good reason.
- MCT oil metabolizes quickly, meaning it’s a great source of quick energy that doesn’t get stored as fat.
- Some users find MCT oil helps them reach ketosis faster.
- Some users find MCT oil helps their brain, gut, and liver health.
- As MCT oil can help mitigate the initial side effects of keto flu, physical fatigue, and brain fog.
The benefits of MCT oil
Metabolizes Quickly
MCTs are hardly ever stored as fat. The body prioritizes MCTs for fuel thanks to the liver’s ability to quickly transform them into ketones. In short, the body metabolizes MCT oil really quickly, unlike LCTs (Long Chain Triglycerides) which have a longer journey to make before reaching the liver, making them more likely to be stored as fat.[i]
Increased Calorie Burning
Studies have found that if you consume MCT oil, you’re likely to significantly increase the amount of calories you burn after eating a meal [ii].
Appetite Suppression
Generally speaking, fats are known to keep you feeling fuller for longer, which is why the keto diet is not only low carb but also high in fat. Ketones naturally suppress appetite. Since MCT oil is pure fat fuel (all of it’s calories are from fat), it’s immediately metabolized into the bloodstream and used by the body, which will reduce cravings. [iii]
Increased Energy and Exercise Performance
It’s becoming more popular amongst athletes to consume MCT oil for increased energy and exercise performance, especially with high-intensity and endurance exercises. MCT consumption is also thought to help prevent lactate build up in the muscles, which would further improve athletic performance. The most likely explanation for this is the increased ketones stores. When we do moderate intensity sports or activities, our bodies use the ketones and that allows us to conserve our stored sugars for times when we need to switch to an increased intensity. When we burn more ketones for energy, we depend on a number of metabolic processes that don’t create lactate. This is why consuming MCTs makes exercise easier.[v]
Heart Health
MCTs contain numerous properties that help prevent plaque build up in the arteries, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent heart disease. Unlike regular oils, MCTs have not been found to have a negative effect on cholesterol levels.[vi]
Immune System Health
Not only do MCTs improve heart health, they also have natural antiviral and antibiotic properties. Studies have found they have the power to reduce and sometimes kill internal fungi and harmful bacteria.
Nutrient Digestibility
We need fat to improve our bodies’ ability to absorb a number of essential nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids. MCTs help us do this.[vii]
Gut Health
MCT oil also enhances gut health by helping regulate immune response and controlling intestinal pH levels. Being a natural antibiotic, MCTs balance bacteria in the gut and help fight harmful parasites.
Brain Health
MCTs boost brain health and cognitive function by stimulating ketone production. And ketones are the best fuel for the brain. This can help alleviate people suffering from Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and even autism.
Better Liver Function
MCT oil benefits the liver in a few different ways. MCT supplementation can help improve your liver’s health and function and even assist in preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.[ix]
MCT Oil – A Summary
All in all, there are many benefits to supplementing with MCT oil. Since the Ketogenic diet is one of the most effective fat loss diets out there, MCTs can be a helpful complement to your diet and help increase fat loss. Supplement with MCT oil and reap the rewards.
[i] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02537271
[ii] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02537271
[iii] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/87/1/44/4633256
[v] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dmr.5610050304
[vi] https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/86/1/67/4775884
[vii] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/94/1/58/4597976
[ix] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.0959-9673.2006.00465.x