You’ve probably come across MCT oil in salad dressings, smoothies, and even making bulletproof coffee, just to name a few, and are starting to wonder what it is all about. MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride, is packed with medium-length chains of triglycerides making them easy to digest to gain numerous benefits from it. This oil is typically extracted from the coconut oil which means that more than half of the healthy fats found in coconut oil are found in the MCT oil.
The question, however, is what makes the MCT oil worth adding to your diet. Well, here are a few that are worth mentioning.
Healthy source of energy
One of the best benefits that you can get from MCT oil is an energy boost thanks to the shorter length of the triglycerides present in it. Since it is easier to absorb, the triglycerides travel straight to the stomach all the way to the liver where it will be easily broken down and absorbed as fuel for the body.
Manage symptoms of autism, epilepsy, as well as Alzheimer’s
Studies are showing that the combination of keto diet as well as MCT oil has improved the symptoms of these diseases. Keto diet was first developed to help patients with epilepsy since fasting has a positive effect on the occurrence of seizures in patients. In the case of patients with Alzheimer’s, the MCT oil and ketogenic diet provides the brain with fuel in the form of ketones. Those who have taken this oil showed improvement to their short-term recognition.
Reduces risk of high cholesterol levels and obesity
We all know that heart problem is a growing concern over the past decade. There are many factors that can contribute to your heart issue such as high blood pressure, overweight, inflammation, as well as smoking just to name a few. Consumption of MCT oil has been found to support your weight loss which can also reduce your risk of heart problems. Those who have high cholesterol levels showed better numbers in their LDL when they have consumed MCT oil. And since we are talking about HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, it has been found that it can actually raise the good cholesterol levels in your system.
Lower buildup of lactate in athletes
MCT oil has gained quite a lot of fans recently, especially in the field of sports. The problem with exercising is that it can cause our lactate levels to go up which can have a negative effect on our overall performance. It appears that MCT oil can help prevent this as one study shows that athletes who took 1.5 teaspoon of MCT oil with their food prior to working out showed lower signs of lactate formation plus their overall performance has improved as well. What’s more, it seems that taking MCT oil prior to your exercise actually causes your body to use the stored fats for fuel which can speed up your weight loss goal.
Boosts weight loss
While we are in the subject of losing weight, consuming MCT oil has been found to promote the production of leptin and YY which tell our body that we are already full. Those who consumed two tablespoons of MCT oil showed a feeling of satiety during lunch time hence their food consumption was lower compared to others. It is possible that MCT oil can protect you against obesity.
These are just a few benefits that have been linked with MCT oil which is why it is not surprising why many are seeing the value of this oil in their diet.
