What is MCT Oil?
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's) are a type of fat that is found in certain oils and dairy products. MCT oil is made from these fats.
MCTs can be found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, milk and butter. MCT oil is used mostly by people who want to lose weight or boost their energy and endurance during a workout. The oil is also believed to improve brain function and possibly help with various forms of dementia.
How does MCT Oil work?
MCTs are processed by the body differently to long-chain fatty acids. Unlike other fats, it goes straight from the gut to the liver. There, they are turned into ketones to be used as a source of energy.
Ketones are chemicals produced when the liver breaks down a lot of fat. The body produces them when there is not enough insulin in the body to turn sugar into energy and can be used by the brain instead of glucose or sugar.
As the calories in MCTs are used straight away, they are less likely to be stored as fat. This is the basic principle of the ketogenic diet, which many people believe is an effective way for weight-loss.
Why use MCT oil?
Better brain and memory function
MCT's produce ketones, which act as an alternative energy source for the brain and can thus improve brain function in people following very low-carb diets. Recently, there has been more interest in the use of MCTs to treat or prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. One study found that MCT's improved learning, memory, and brain processing in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Energy boost and increased endurance
MCT oil may help to improve endurance and energy levels for high-intensity training. Many supporters of MCT oil claim that it helps boost a person’s energy and improves their endurance when they are working out. Additionally, consuming food containing MCTs instead of LCTs for 2 weeks allowed recreational athletes to endure long bouts of high-intensity exercise.
Weight loss
MCT oil may help with weight loss. Studies show that MCT's leads to a greater increase in the hormones that reduce appetite and make a person feel full. The evidence also suggests that MCTs may play an important role in weight loss and management.
Lowered cholesterol
MCTs may also contribute to good heart health by lowering cholesterol. A study in 2009 using 40 women found that consuming coconut oil reduced bad types of cholesterol and improved good ones. MCT oil is high in the MCTs found in coconut oil, therefore is likely to improve cholesterol levels.
Lowered blood sugar levels
MCTs may help to improve blood sugar levels and play a potential role in diabetes management. In one study, diets rich in MCTs showed a significant increase in insulin sensitivity amongst adults with type 2 diabetes. Another study amongst 40 individuals with excess weight and type 2 diabetes found that supplementing with MCTs improved diabetes risk factors. It reduced their body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance.
Summed up
MCTs are Medium-Chain Triglycerides that rapidly absorbed and changed into ketone bodies, providing a reliable and quick source of energy using fat instead of sugar. MCT's play a potential role in weight management, may help boost energy and endurance levels, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and potentially improve a person’s brain and memory function thus contributing to good health and overall wellness.
Nutrilife's MCT oil is available for purchase online or at selected health shops nationwide.
Mix with your morning coffee for an energy boost. Add to smoothies, salad dressings, sauces and marinades. Suitable for Vegetarians, Vegans, Kosher, Hindu, Halal & diabetic diets.
