MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: What’s the Difference?
AsmitA Organic Farmre you thinking of regulating fats in your diet? No, you don’t need to cut them off completely. Instead, just switch to healthier fats. People commonly refer to two types of healthy fats: MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) and coconut oil. But then the question arises: Is MCT oil the same as coconut oil?
The distinctive traits of MCT oil and coconut oil distinguish them even after a few similarities. The two oils exist in distinct categories that serve different nutritional purposes. This blog post highlights the key points of MCT oil vs coconut oil, their unique features, and their benefits for both keto followers and health-conscious readers.
Table of Contents
- Nutrition Content: MCT Oil Versus Coconut Oil
- Unique Features of MCT Oil as Compared With Coconut Oil
- Benefits of MCT Oil and Coconut Oil
- MCT Oil and Coconut Oil: Key Difference
- Bottom Line
- FAQs
Nutrition Content: MCT Oil Versus Coconut Oil
While coconut oil and MCT oil are derived from coconuts, both substances exhibit major differences regarding nutritional value and human absorption patterns.
Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconut meat and contains 120 calories, along with 14 grams of fat in each tablespoon. The fat primarily exists as saturated fat at approximately 12 grams.
MCTs exist naturally in coconut oil, but lauric acid (C12) makes up most of its composition, thereby slowing its metabolic process against other medium-chain triglycerides. The additional nutritional value of coconut oil comes from its tiny quantities of phytosterols as well as vitamin E and polyphenols.
Various culinary dishes exist where people use this oil because of its signature taste, combined with a high smoke point that reaches 350°F.
The refined MCT oil supplement consists of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), medium-chain triglycerides extracted through fractionation from coconut or palm kernel oil. Each 15 ml serving of AsmitA Organic Farm’s MCT oil contains 124.6 calories, 13.8 grams of total fat, and less than trace amounts of lauric acid.
MCT oil absorption happens rapidly, and energy conversion occurs quickly because the C8 and C10 medium-chain triglycerides are shorter chained compared to other fats, which makes it a suitable choice among people following ketogenic diets and athletes.
Unique Features of MCT Oil as Compared With Coconut Oil
MCT oil demonstrates notable distinctions from coconut oil primarily because of its chemical composition, its production techniques and the metabolic breakdown in the human body.
- Purity and Concentration: MCT oil displays a distinct characteristic through its highly concentrated medium-chain triglycerides that primarily consist of both C8 and C10 acids, which enable fast body absorption and energy conversion. The refinement process of MCT oil removes almost all lauric acid (C12) from the oil, resulting in an efficient fuel source that rapidly produces ketones for the body.
- Digestibility: MCT oil is easily digested and provides a quick source of energy. Its shorter chain length allows it to bypass the usual digestive process and go directly to the liver, where it is rapidly converted into energy or ketones, making it especially beneficial for those following ketogenic diets. In contrast, coconut oil is digested more slowly, resulting in a delayed energy release.
- Flavourless and Odourless: MCT oil lacks flavour or odour, which enables users to mix it easily with drinks, including coffee, smoothies and pre-workout shakes, without changing their taste profile, although coconut oil frequently produces coconut aromas. MCT oil remains liquid at standard room conditions, while coconut oil solidifies at or below 77°F (25°C), thus allowing MCT oil more flexibility as a dietary supplement instead of being utilised as cooking fat.
Benefits of MCT Oil and Coconut Oil
The health advantages of MCT oil vs coconut oil differ from each other because of differences in oil structure and their biochemical interactions within the body.
Benefits of MCT Oil
- Quick Energy Boost: MCT oil passes through liver metabolism quickly to produce energy effectively, thus making it optimal for athletes and users of ketogenic diets who need rapid energy.
- Supports Ketosis: The body can create ketones more effectively due to MCT oil, which allows people following keto or low-carb diets to remain in a state of fat metabolism.
- Mental Clarity and Focus: The brain cell-fueling power of ketones present in medium chain triglycerides of caprylic acid (C8) may enhance mental performance.
- Weight Management: The consumption of MCT oil leads to increased satiation levels and delivers small metabolic increases when used correctly as part of a balanced nutritional plan.
- Gut Health: Natural antimicrobial compounds in MCTs possess properties that protect a healthy gut microbiome by eliminating dangerous bacteria.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
- Natural Source of Lauric Acid: The health benefits of Lauric acid in coconut oil extend to three dimensions as it has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It fights infections while protecting the immune system.
- Cooking-Friendly: The stability and high smoking point of coconut oil make it useful for baking, along with frying and sauteing procedures.
- Skin and Hair Care: People apply coconut oil to their skin for moisturisation and to control hair damage while using it to treat dry skin problems.
- Heart Health: Evidence suggests that coconut oil may help raise good cholesterol (HDL), but it should be consumed in moderation, as it can also increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: The antioxidants combined with polyphenols present in coconut oil display anti-inflammatory properties in the human body.
MCT Oil and Coconut Oil: Key Difference
Both MCT oil and coconut oil are known for being the best options for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Some of their attributes overlap, but there are respective differences between MCT oil and coconut oil. Let’s explore how MCT oil is different from coconut oil!
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Attributes
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Coconut Oil
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MCT Oil
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Source
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Coconut oil is extracted from the meat (flesh) of mature coconuts.
At AsmitA Organic Farms, our coconut oil is naturally extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts.
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MCT oil is primarily derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
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Fatty Acid Content
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It is a natural oil consisting of a mix of medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids.
Coconut oil consists mostly of lauric acid, together with small quantities of caprylic acid and capric acid.
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MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil) exists as a refined product derived mainly from medium-chain fatty acids, including caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10) and sometimes lauric acid (C12).
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Digestibility
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Coconut oil takes a bit longer to get digested.
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MCT oil enters the body rapidly to get quickly converted into energy.
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Health Use
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Coconut oil is primarily used for general wellness and antimicrobial properties.
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MCT oil is known for providing quick energy and supporting brain function.
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Taste
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A mild coconut flavour is there in cold-pressed coconut oil.
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MCT oil is tasteless and odourless, making it appropriate for versatile uses.
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Some people now might think: can I use coconut oil instead of MCT or vice versa? Both have their own uses. MCT oil is not appropriate for high heat, while coconut oil can be used in high-temperature cooking.
However, MCT oil is ideal for adding to smoothies, coffee, or energy drinks, whereas coconut oil offers versatility in both cooking and baking.
Bottom Line
Coconut oil maintains its nature as a cooking ingredient, but MCT oil stands apart as an energy-boosting supplement formulated for enhancing exercise performance and body metabolism together with its cognitive health advantages.
At AsmitA Organic Farms, we believe in producing healthy and organic products. No use of artificial colours, chemicals or additives is what we focus on so that you can add our products to your diet without a second thought. Whether it's MCT oil or coconut oil, we guarantee quality in every step of your wellness journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can MCT oil be used on skin and hair?
MCT oil is generally not used for skincare purposes. It is mainly used as a food supplement only, unlike coconut oil, which is used for good skin and hair. So, it is better to prefer it for dietary purposes.
2. How much MCT oil can I incorporate into my daily diet?
One should think of incorporating MCT oil in their diet as per their health and energy expectations. Start small (1 teaspoon) to avoid digestive discomfort and gradually work up to 1-2 tablespoons per day based on your tolerance.
3. Can I start using MCT oil and coconut oil in my diet simultaneously?
Absolutely yes! Many people use both for different purposes. For example, people use MCT oil for internal energy and coconut oil for cooking and skincare.
4. How should I store the MCT oil?
Just like other oils, direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can affect the chemical composition of MCT oil. So, it should be tightly sealed and stored away from direct sunlight at normal room temperature.
5. Are there any probable risks associated with the use of MCT or coconut oil?
Both MCT and coconut oil are quite high in saturated fats. Unsaturated fats are the primary prescribed fats, followed by saturated fats. Therefore, regulated amounts of both these oils should be consumed. Excessive consumption than daily requirements can lead to high cholesterol and other health issues.