Medium Chain Triglycerides oil contains smaller molecules of fats that make it easy to digest, unlike other fats and oils. It is often consumed as a dietary to instantly boost energy supplement and performance. Various talks are going on behind MCT oil. The health industry, especially athletes and fitness freaks prefer it for different reasons. But before we get on to any conclusion, we must tell you what MCT oil is, and what some potential MCT oil benefits are?
What is MCT oil?
MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) contain a medium chain of saturated triglycerides fat that is mostly found in dairy products, coconut oil, and palm oil. Here we would like to say that not all saturated fats are bad. The one found in MCT gets quickly digested and absorbed by the body, makes it good for health.
Most fats in our body contain 13 to 21 atoms of carbon, but in the case of MCT, the carbon atom side is between 6 to 12, which makes it easier for the body to break it down. Moreover, there are 10% fewer calories in MCT oil that are instantly used in the form of energy, instead of converting it into fat.
9 MCT Oil Benefits You Must Know
1. Fuel Your Body and Brain
Our liver breaks down fat molecules either to use them as body fuel or body fat. In the case of MCT oil, the shorter chain of fatty acids gets absorbed more quickly, thus, they become an instant source of energy.
It became even more beneficial for people on a ketogenic diet, as MCTs are converted into Ketones that further fuels your brain cells. This is the reason, MCT oil benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Support Healthy Weight Loss
This is one of the most popular uses of MCT oil. There are various reasons why it is considered good for weight loss. MST oil contains two hormones known as peptide YY and leptin, both increase the feeling of fullness, thus, reducing appetite. Researchers have even claimed that it can prevent the risk of obesity, and help in reducing weight. Further, it contains fewer calories than olive oil or avocado oil, which again promotes weight loss.
3. Reduce Bad Cholesterol
It is a well-known fact that cholesterol can badly affect our heart health. A study has found that consuming MCT oil can significantly reduce LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and can increase the production of HDL, which is heart-friendly cholesterol. Additionally, it can reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), which means it reduces the risk of heart disease. All-in-all it is extremely good for your heart.
Also Read : Top 15 Best Cooking Oils in India for Healthy Lifestyle
4. Good for Ketogenic Diet
Keto diet can be really challenging, especially when you are not able to find a perfect diet or food that suits it. In Ketosis, one gets most of the energy through fat. Particularly, MCTs can make our body burn most of its fat to convert it into energy, which further helps in weight management. Not only this, but it also increases energy consumption, which again helps in burning calories.
5. Improve Athletic Performance By Reducing Lactate Level
Hard-core exercise can shoot the level of lactate in the body that can adversely affect one’s performance. Fortunately, studies have found that consuming MCT oil before exercising or cycling can reduce the buildup of lactate in the body enhancing your performance and stamina during a workout. This is the reason, athletes use MCT oil as a dietary supplement before any physical activity.
6. Boost Your Gut Health
MCT oil benefits are not only limited to weight loss or energy booster, it even works as a probiotic in your gut. After digestion, MCT oil get directly absorbed in the gut, it destroys harmful bacteria in the body. In fact, it is found that this oil can aid in gastrointestinal diseases, such as gallbladder infection, inflammatory bowel diseases, and leaky gut syndrome.
7. Reduce Risk of Diabetes
Okay, now we all know how diabetes cases are increasing day by day, especially in India. As we already know that MCT oil is known to reduce cholesterol, increase fat burning, and reduce fat storage, it very-well deals with type 2 diabetes. But remember, there is not much evidence to prove this theory as blood sugar can be affected by the timings and the quantity of the food eaten. So, always consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.
8. Contain Anti-Microbial Properties
One of the best MCT oil benefits is that it is extracted from coconut oil, and coconut is high in lauric acid, which is known to have anti-microbial properties, making this oil effective in treating acne and skin irritation. The fatty acids in MCT oil can reduce the growth of skin bacteria when applied orally, this is the reason it is widely used in skincare and beauty products.
9. May Help in Autism and Epilepsy
Various studies have found that regular MCT oil uses with the Keto diet can improve people with Autism and Epilepsy. As MCTs can be converted to Ketones, it decreases the frequency of epileptic seizures. The improvement has been noticed in MCT capric, so make sure you choose the right type of oil.
Similar positive effects were seen with people with autism. Research conducted on 15 autistic children found that after incorporating MCT oil in their diet for 6 months, it has significantly improved certain autistic behavior, including fear and nervousness. But to prove these results, more research is needed.
MCT Oil Uses in Day-to-Day Life
MCT oil is used in a similar way you use olive oil, but it has low-smoking point so you must avoid high flame cooking with it. MCT oil uses depends on person to person, some use it for weight loss, while others prefer it as a dietary supplement. In the medical field, it is used to improve nutrient absorption in humans. There are plenty of ways to include MCT oil in your diet.
- Use it as a salad dressing
- Can be used for gentle cooking
- Make a low-carb smoothie with it
- Blend it in your morning coffee
- Pour it on melted chocolate
- Replace butter and use MCT oil on toast
- You can also mix it with hot cereals
- Stir it on mayonnaise
- Make your own compound butter with it
What is the Right MCT Oil Dosage?
To access benefits of MCT oil, a dose of 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per day of this oil is enough. You can start with this small dose, and if you don’t experience any side-effects like nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, or any other gut issue, then you can increase the dose up to 1 to 4 tablespoon.
Final Words
Now you know that consuming MCT oil benefits your body to a very good extent. It can promote weight loss, increase the feeling of fullness, boost instant energy, improves gut health, fight bacterial growth, and much more.
Just be careful that you don’t over-consume it to have its potential benefit. The right MCT oil dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. So, why not add this oil to your diet?
