8 Benefits of MCT Oil for Health and Wellness

Did you know MCT oil has become a 1.7 billion dollar market globally? Yes, it’s because of its rising popularity among health-conscious individuals. But what’s the hype about MCT oil? Let’s understand it in detail. 

The MCT oil full form is Medium-Chain Triglyceride. MCT oil is full of essential fats that our body not only needs but also secretly craves. 

If you follow a ketogenic diet, then you must definitely have come across this unique oil.

Do you ever feel tired, moody, or not at your best? That’s because your body needs something beyond regular food. MCT oil gives you an energy boost and helps you feel more lively and focused. 

What does MCT oil do to your body? What is MCT oil used for? How to use MCT oil to better manage weight loss? MCT oil benefits are numerous and those benefits will definitely surprise you. We will answer all these questions in this blog. Stay tuned till the end to find out how can MCT oil benefits your health.

Table Of Contents

1. How is MCT Oil Made?
2. Health Benefits of MCT Oil
3. Types of MCT Oil
4. How to use MCT Oil in your Diet?
5. Side Effects of MCT Oil
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

How is MCT Oil Made?

MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are a type of saturated fatty acid, also known as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Fatty acids are made up of chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which can vary in length. Short-chain fatty acids have fewer than 6 carbon atoms, while long-chain fatty acids have more than 12. MCTs fall right in the middle, with 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

MCTs are most commonly extracted from coconut oil. MCTs are known for having fewer calories per gram than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), with one tablespoon of MCT oil containing 14 grams of fat and 115 calories.

MCT oil is flavourless and odourless, staying liquid at room temperature, which makes it easy to incorporate into food and drinks. However, it has a low smoke point, so it’s not suitable for cooking. Instead, MCT oil is commonly used in smoothies, coffee, and as a supplement for those following a ketogenic diet.

Coconut MCT oil is made by isolating the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil through a specific process. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Coconut oil is combined with water and a catalyst to break down the triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. The glycerol is distilled and reused in the process.
2. The fatty acids are distilled to remove impurities, dirt, and odours, effectively separating the medium-chain fatty acids from the other types of fatty acids.
3. Medium-chain fatty acids (like caprylic and capric acid) are isolated from the remaining fatty acids using fractional distillation.
4. These medium-chain fatty acids are then mixed with glycerol to form the MCT oil.
5. Any remaining fatty acids, such as lauric acid, are converted back into their triglyceride forms.
6. Finally, the coconut oil is bleached and deodorized to improve its appearance and remove any contaminants, ensuring the oil is clean and pure.

To maintain the oil's purity and high quality, no preservatives or additives are used in the process. The result is a pure, odourless, and flavourless oil, making it perfect for a variety of uses—especially in ketogenic diets.

Health Benefits of MCT Oil

There are plenty of reasons why medium-chain triglyceride or MCT oil benefits are very popular among bodybuilders and athletes. Its structure makes it perfect for boosting performance for people with active lifestyles. 

Stay tuned until the end to find out the health benefits of MCT Oil and how it can benefit your day-to-day life.

1. MCT Oil Might Keep You Full For Longer:

MCT oil might help reduce calorie intake because it contains about 10% less calories than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) fats found in foods like olive oil and avocados. 

Some research suggests that MCT oil supplements could make you feel full and reduce appetite, which might lead to consuming fewer calories overall. MCT oil releases two hormones called Peptine YY and leptin which makes us to reduce our appetite resulting in weight loss.

For example, some studies found that people who had MCT oil for breakfast ate less at lunch compared to those who didn’t include MCT oil at all.

2. It Might Support Your Weight Management Goals:

MCT oil supplements can help our body with weight loss and improve our body composition. It is also believed that it is very useful in helping us prevent obesity by reducing body weight and waist size. 

3. It Can Be A Best Source Of Energy For Athletes:

MCT oil supplement gives a quick source of energy. It is absorbed way faster than long-chain triglycerides, which have more carbons in their fatty acid chains.

MCTs have a shorter chain length, which makes it easier to travel from the gut to the liver as it does not require bile to break down like longer-chain fats do.

MCTs are converted as ketones in the liver, like beta-hydroxybutyrate, which provides sufficient energy for the brain when you are fasting. Which automatically increases focus and concentration. 

4. MCT Oil Can Help You Focus More:

MCT oil helps the body to produce ketones which are known to improve cognitive function. Ketones provide a more stable energy source than glucose and prevent the energy crash that makes it hard to concentrate.

If you have a hard time focusing on tasks and always get distracted easily, MCT oil can help you focus better. It also helps to remove brain fog to improve mental and cognitive function.

For example, if you are a working professional or writing a book, MCT oil will help you to think sharp, focussed and clear.

5. MCT Oil Can Be Beneficial In Managing Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, And Autism:

MCT oil supplement, if taken in a ketogenic diet, can help in managing conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism.

• Epilepsy: MCTs are converted into ketones, which have been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in some cases. One study found that people with epilepsy who took MCT oil had 42% fewer seizures over three months. However, more research is needed to confirm these results and determine the most effective type of MCT.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Since the brain in Alzheimer’s patients struggles to use sugar for energy, MCTs provide an alternative fuel source in the form of ketones. Some studies suggest that MCT oil may improve brain function and cognition, especially in people with a specific gene type. However, further studies are needed to solidify these findings.
• Autism: While research is limited, some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet with MCT oil could reduce certain behaviors associated with autism in children. However, it’s important to note that this kind of diet might not be suitable for all children, and professional guidance is essential before making dietary changes.

Please also remember that MCTs cannot be replaced with a medical prescription or treatments. It’s very important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to make sure it fits with your overall treatment plan. 

6. MCT Oil Might Help In Reducing Blood Sugar Levels:

MCTs can be best for diabetics who are looking to reduce their blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity is important to prevent diabetes, especially for those who are at high risk.

MCTs help in weight loss, which is another factor that helps reduce diabetes risk. A study in China showed that people who added MCT oil to their diet had lower cholesterol, lost weight, and reduced waist size.

Remember to always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition.

7. It Can Help In Supporting Heart Health:

MCTs might help with heart health by promoting healthy weight loss. MCT oil also boosts HDL levels, which, in simple terms, are known as good cholesterol. 

There’s some indication that it might reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. More research is required to confirm this.

8. Helps In Improving Gut Health & Digestion: 

Adding MCT oil to your diet offers many health benefits. They may help with weight loss, improve athletic performance, help in digestion, and even act as a probiotic for your gut.

MCTs support a healthy immune system and promote gut health by targeting harmful bacteria while keeping the good bacteria safe. Research shows that MCTs can prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are often linked to diarrhoea disease.

MCTs also improve intestinal health, making them especially useful for people suffering from digestion issues. You can add our C8 and C10 MCT oil to your diet. 

Types Of MCT Oil

MCT oil, or medium-chain triglycerides, consists of different types of fatty acids, which have unique benefits and uses. 

Understanding these types can help us understand which kind of MCT will suit us according to our goals like, for ever-lasting energy, weight control, or to improve focus and mental clarity.

Caproic Acid (C6):

Caproic acid, which is also known as C6, is a type of MCT oil that quickly turns into ketones, providing a fast energy source for people in the ketogenic diet. However, it is not commonly used because it is hard to extract enough of it from coconut oil. 

Caprylic Acid (C8):

Caprylic acid is a short-chain fatty acid with 8 carbon atoms, is the fastest to convert into energy among all the MCT types. C8 is a popular MCT because it offers quick and stable mental energy. 

It also has strong antibacterial properties, which makes it effective in fighting infections like Streptococcus (strep) and staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. 

Capric Acid (C10):

Capric acid is another MCT with 10 carbon atoms. It works a little slow to convert into ketones compared to caprylic acid, but it is still faster than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). It is also known for its powerful antifungal properties. 

Lauric Acid (C12):

Lauric acid, which has 12 carbon atoms, is a major component of coconut oil. It is majorly present in coconut oil, about 48-49%. You will be surprised to know that it is not only found in coconut oil but also in breast milk.

This fatty acid does not get immediately converted into energy, it has to be processed in the liver, and it takes time to metabolise. This is why it is usually described as Long Chain Triglycerides (LCTs) and not an MCT.

Is MCT Oil Good for a Ketogenic Diet?

Yes, MCT oil is great for a ketogenic diet. It helps the body stay in ketosis by providing a quick source of ketones, which the body uses for energy. Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs are rapidly absorbed and converted into ketones, supporting both physical energy and mental clarity. MCT oil also helps increase fat intake without adding excess calories, making it easier to maintain the required fat-to-carb ratio on a keto diet. Adding MCT oil to your meals, like coffee or smoothies, is an easy way to boost energy and support your ketogenic goals.

Additionally, MCT oil can help increase your daily fat intake without adding too many calories, making it easier to meet the macronutrient ratio required for a successful ketogenic diet.

How to use MCT Oil to Your Diet?

Now that we have completely understood how MCT  (Medium-chain triglyceride) oil works and MCT oil benefits, here are some most simple MCT oil uses to add this wonderful supplement to your daily diet to stay in ketosis and reach your health goals faster.

1. Add It Into Your Smoothie Or Latte:

Start your day with a keto-friendly smoothie or latte by adding MCT oil supplement. It will keep you full for hours and reduce your food intake for the rest of the day.

2. Make Bulletproof Coffee: 

If you love coffee and follow a ketogenic diet, try bulletproof coffee to get the most MCT oil benefits. It’s a mix of black coffee, MCT oil, and butter or ghee. You can enjoy this bulletproof coffee hot or cold based on your mood. But it tastes better if you have it hot.

This carb-free drink boosts your metabolism, keeps you full, and helps with mental focus.

3. Mix MCT Oil With Salad Dressing:

Add MCT oil to the salad dressing to make your salad healthier. It has no taste or smell, making it easy to add healthy fats to your meal. MCT oil also helps your body absorb more nutrients from the vegetables. 

4. Take It Before A Workout:

MCT oil provides an instant energy boost, making it a great supplement before exercise and extremely helpful if you are following a ketogenic diet. Take this supplement 30 to 40 minutes before your workout to increase stamina.

5. You Can Also Use It During Intermittent Fasting:

MCT oil can help you stay energised during intermittent fasting without breaking the keto diet. Just take 1 to 2 teaspoons to maintain your energy and stay in fat-burning mode. Usually, this is one of the common MCT oil uses people prefer to consume. 

Side Effects of MCT Oil

Just like with any supplement, MCT oil can have side effects if not consumed properly. Taking too much or not considering your body’s needs can lead to problems. 

It’s important to find the right balance to enjoy the benefits without the downsides. Here are five possible side effects:

• Taking too much MCT oil can lead to diarrhea, stomach aches, cramping, and gas. This is usually a sign that your gut bacteria is out of balance, rather than the MCT oil being harmful.
• Some people may experience constipation instead of diarrhea, as the body struggles to eliminate toxins efficiently.
• If you feel tired or experience brain fog after taking MCT oil, it might be due to the body having difficulty detoxing. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and alleviate these symptoms.
• MCT oil is quickly processed by the liver, making it great for quick energy. However, taking too much over time can lead to fat being stored in the liver, potentially causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To avoid this, stick to the recommended dosage of less than 15g per day.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to support weight loss, burn fat, and boost energy without adding high-carb foods, MCT oil might be a good option. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels and manage blood sugar.

AsmitA Organic Farms’ MCT oil is sourced from high-quality coconuts from Sri Lanka. It offers a clean and energy boost. It has a perfect blend of C8 60% and C10 40% fatty acids. This blend ensures you get the best benefits of MCT oil.

You can easily mix MCT oil supplement to your food, but remember not to heat it. The side effects are usually mild and might be there for some time. So, it's safe to start MCT oil from a popular organic brand in India in your diet daily within the limit. It’s a simple and effective way to reach your fitness goals while staying healthy. 

FAQs

1. Is MCT oil safe?

Yes, MCT oil is generally safe if it is consumed in moderate amounts. You can experience health issues like diarrhea if you consume in larger amounts.

2. Can MCT oil help with weight loss?

Yes, MCT oil might help in weight loss because it helps us to stay full for a longer time and reduces our appetite. It also boosts metabolism and is best if you are on a ketogenic diet.

3. How much MCT oil should I take daily?

You can start with 1 teaspoon daily and slowly increase it to 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT oil daily. This will allow your body to get used to medium chain fatty acids. 

4. Is MCT oil good for people with diabetes?

Some studies suggest that MCT oil might help in blood sugar control, but more research is needed on this aspect. It is best to consult with your doctor regarding the usage of MCT oil.

5. Can I replace MCT oil with other oils for cooking?

MCT oil has a very low smoke point, so it cannot be used in cooking, but you can use it as a salad dressing or as a finishing oil.