MCT OIL: As the name suggests, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are easily digested and many health benefits are linked to the way your body processes these fats. MCT oil is most commonly extracted from coconut oil, as more than 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs. These fats are also found in many other foods, such as palm oil and dairy products
MCT OIL OFFERS WEIGHT LOSS BENEFITS: There are several reasons why MCT oil may be beneficial when you’re trying to lose weight. MCT oil has been shown to increase the release of two compounds that promote the feeling of fullness in the body: peptide YY and leptin. It may even be better than coconut oil in keeping you full. One study found that people taking two tablespoons of MCT oil as part of their breakfast ended up eating less food for lunch compared to those taking coconut oil.
MCT OIL ENHANCES ENERGY: Supporters of MCT oil claim that it can help boost a person's energy and improve their endurance when they are working out. A 2009 study found that consuming food rich in MCTs, rather than longer-chain fats, improved the time that recreational athletes could endure high-intensity exercise.
MCT OIL PROVIDES BRAIN AND MEMORY HEALTH: High-quality MCT oil turns into ketones within minutes, providing your brain with an almost immediate jolt of energy. MCT oil can be converted into ketones, which unlike glucose, can cross the blood-brain barrier and be used as a fuel source for brain cells. Also it may help fight some bad brain conditions.
MCT OIL IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER: The antimicrobial qualities of lauric acid and caprylic acid make MCT oil a worthy immune system supporter, and there has been plenty of research on linking these to better overall health. There is an increase in immune activity and white blood cell production in the body, while the antioxidant effects of these acids also reduce levels of oxidative stress.
MCT OIL LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: MCTs may also have a part to play in helping to protect heart health by lowering cholesterol. A 2009 study that looked at 40 women found that consuming coconut oil reduced bad types of cholesterol and improved good ones. The comparison was to soybean oil and taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet. As MCT oil is high in the MCTs found in coconut oil, it is also likely to improve cholesterol levels.
MCT OIL HAS ANTI BACTERIAL BENEFITS: MCTs have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Coconut oil, which contains a large amount of MCTs, has been shown to reduce the growth of Candida albicans by 25%.Coconut oil’s ability to reduce yeast and bacterial growth may be due to the caprylic, capric and lauric acid in MCTs.
MCT OIL IS A DIGESTIVE SYSTEM BOOSTER: The shorter chain lengths of the fat molecules means your body breaks down MCTs quicker than the more common long-chain triglycerides found in other fatty foods. MCT oil is digested differently as it gets absorbed directly from the gut into the liver, bypassing the physiology of being stored as fat.