What Is MCT Oil? Everything You Need To Know
MCT oil is a fat extracted from the coconut and palm kernel. It's often used in food products, but it can also be consumed on its own as a supplement. Like all fats, MCTs are composed of long chains of carbon molecules called fatty acids. However, unlike other fats, they only have one or two double bonds between those carbons, making them act differently than different types of fat. Because of these properties, scientists believe that consuming MCT oil may increase metabolism and boost brain function!
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a dietary supplement derived from coconut oil. Medium-chain triglycerides are fat that can be used for energy by the body. The main types of MCTs are C8 (caprylic acid), C10 (capric acid), and C12 (lauric acid).
A typical serving size is one tablespoon or 15ml per day and can be taken in liquid form or added to food or drinks. MCT oils are available in liquid form but may also be found as powders or capsules.
MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil
While coconut oil and MCT oil can be used in cooking, they're not the same.
Coconut oil is a saturated fat that comes from coconuts. It's extracted by milling dried coconut meat, pressing the resulting flakes to extract their oils, and then heating them to separate its various components. Some companies also add other ingredients like emulsifiers to help with its consistency. Coconut oil has long been touted for its health benefits—namely that it can help with weight loss and boost immunity—but studies show mixed results when consuming coconut oil versus other fats. In moderation, however, some studies have shown that including small amounts of coconut oil may benefit your heart disease risk factors compared with different types of fat (or no change at all). It's also known as a good source of essential fatty acids that can help improve brain function along with memory function due to their anti-inflammatory properties; however, one recent analysis found no evidence supporting claims that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids reduces mortality or cardiovascular disease risk reduction either overall or among those who don't consume enough omega 3s from fish or nuts/seeds so if you're trying this approach, please consult your healthcare provider first because these things do not come without risks!
Because MCTs are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream after being ingested (due to low molecular weight), they bypass digestion altogether and go directly into the liver, where they are converted into ketones—organic compounds which are created during fasting when there isn't enough glucose available for energy production, so instead, we burn body fat instead! This means less time spent digesting food (burning more calories) since less energy is expended during this process."
How to Use MCT Oil
MCT oil is an excellent addition to your overall diet, but it doesn't have to be used as a cooking or baking ingredient. You can also incorporate it into other aspects of your life! Here are some ideas:
Add it to coffee or tea. This is perhaps the most apparent use for MCT oil—it's so easy! Add 2-4 tablespoons of coconut oil or MCT oil (depending on preference) and blend with other ingredients like butter or cream, then pour over ice for an extra refreshing drink.*
Use it in smoothies. Similar to adding MCT oil to coffee or tea, adding this stuff straight into your smoothie will give you all the energy you need without adding sugar calories.*
Use as a salad dressing. If you're watching what goes into your body but still want something tasty and healthy-looking on that plate at lunchtime, try dipping vegetables in olive oil before eating them—this will mask any intense flavors while providing you with essential nutrients.*
Cook with it! While there are many ways you could use MCTs in cooking (like baking cookies), they may not always be ideal because they don't work well under high heat conditions unless heated slowly--which could potentially ruin some recipes if not done correctly--so stick with using them when making more delicate dishes such as soups instead."
Potential Benefits and Uses of MCT Oil
MCT oil is a healthy source of energy. It provides the body with an immediate source of fuel, which makes it great for fueling workouts and other physical activities.
MCT oil is also suitable for weight loss. It keeps you feeling full longer and can help you maintain a healthy gut by feeding the good bacteria in your stomach.
MCT oil can boost brain power, heart health, skin health, and more!
Conclusion
MCT oil is a rising star in superfoods, but it's essential to understand that it isn't a miracle cure. MCT oil is most effective as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle plan that includes regular exercise and plenty of sleep. While some people may see positive effects from using MCT oil, it's not something you should rely on if your goal is weight loss.