What is MCT oil and what does it do? Is it good for more than just adding fat to a keto diet? Learn more about medium chain triglycerides foods and how to use oil.
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Questions about this common ingredient in keto diet foods are getting asked with much more frequency these days. Google Trends has shown that searches related to how MCT oil is made and what it does have risen significantly since late 2015. And the trend continues to rise.
This is getting the attention of supplement manufacturers and private label distributors who are beginning to offer this oil in order to meet growing consumer demand. If you're one of those folks who loves MCT oil, be sure to check out the special 15% off deal you can get at Perfect Keto when you use my discount code YUM15.
What is MCT Oil and Where Does It Come From?
Where does MCT oil come from is a common question. But before answering that let's take a look at what it is. The acronym MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides.”
One of the top sources of medium-chain triglycerides and MCT is coconut oil. Medium-chain triglycerides are also sometimes referred to as medium chain fatty acids, or “MCFA” for short. In order to understand the effects and benefits of MCT oil, an understanding of the different types of fatty acids is required.
There are three general types of fats with different chemical structures:
- Short-chain fats (5 or less carbon atoms)
- Medium-chain fats (between 6 and 12 carbons)
- Long-chain (over 12 carbons)
Within the medium-chain triglycerides category, there are four different kinds: caproic acid (6 carbons), caprylic acid
(8 carbons), capric acid (10 carbons) and lauric acid (12 carbons). The fewer the carbons, the more quickly the substance can be absorbed and assimilated within the body.
Most dietary fat (triglycerides) in the typical American diet is of the long-chain variety. This long structure requires the body to work harder to process this fatty acid type to fully digest it and allow it to be converted into energy.
This is in contrast to medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The body can absorb MCTs easily due to their shorter chain length. There is far less processing and energy involved in metabolizing them. In this way, MCTs can diffuse efficiently from within the GI tract and into the bloodstream. They are then rapidly converted into energy the body can use via the liver.
Now that we know what MCT is, let's get into take a look at what is MCT oil made from.
Coconut Oil: The Most Popular Source
The most common and popular source of MCTs from whole foods is coconut oil. Coconuts grow mainly on tropical islands, coastal areas and on the fertile fringes of desert lands.
The top five world suppliers of coconuts are Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Brazil and Sri Lanka. The continent of Asia provides an estimated 90 percent of the world’s coconuts.
Other top countries for coconut production include Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Thailand and Malaysia. Coconut trees are resilient and can grow in a variety of soil types, but they require lots of rainfall to thrive. With demand for coconut products surging around 500 percent in the past decade, many countries will be looking for ways to increase their coconut production.
The majority of coconut oil’s fatty acid content – around 65 percent – is considered to be of the medium-chain variety. Full-fat dairy such as extra heavy whipping cream and palm oil are two more examples of medium-chain triglyceride whole food sources.
MCT oil is essentially distilled, concentrated medium-chain triglycerides. It can be derived by extraction from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil. It is generally composed of the C8 and C10 medium-chain triglycerides. These two fatty acid types can be absorbed by the body very rapidly. The result is a fast, natural energy boost.
But, you may be wondering, what is MCT oil good for?
MCT Oil Health Benefits
Here are some of the top advantages of taking MCT oil versus other types of “quick energy” products:
Fast Absorption. As described above, the chemical structure allows it to be easily processed and assimilated by the body. This means the desired effect happens efficiently when an energy boost is needed.
Minimal Fat Storage. Because MCTs are absorbed rapidly and almost immediately burned by the body as energy, less of it gets stored as excess body fat than with other triglyceride types.
Aids in Digestion. It can also enhance the digestive process and counteract constipation.
Fuels Metabolism. Medium chain triglycerides like those contained in MCT oil also help to increase thermogenesis in the body. This in turn fuels metabolism and helps the body to run cleaner and more efficiently.
Helps Maintain Ideal Weight. It promotes satiety, naturally preventing cravings and snacking throughout the day. Therefore, it can also help to lose weight too.
Boosts Brain Functioning. MCTs also help to create ketones, which is used as energy by the brain. In this way, it can help with cognitive functioning, a better memory and increased mental clarity.
Antioxidant. Reduces cellular damage, supporting immune system health and overall health.
Anti-inflammatory. Helps to reduce inflammation in the body and avoid numerous health conditions related to it.
Promotes Gut Health. MCT oils support the health of the gut microbiome by combating harmful bacteria while supporting positive strains.
Supports Heart Health. A 2010 study showed MCTs combat cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
MCT oil has also been shown to have benefits for the skin as well, so it can be added to favorite lotions, lip balms, creams and cosmetics. Lauric acid is sometimes included in MCT oil. This is a medium-chain triglyceride that has 12 carbon atoms. Lauric acid is another component of coconut oil that is known for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
What is MCT oil used in as an ingredient?
Odorless and Flavorless. Since MCT oil is nondescript, it can be easily added to foods and drinks without altering their taste or character. Many add it to their coffee to make “bulletproof coffee” as an alternative to methods that involve melting butter into the coffee.
You can add MCT oil to smoothies, shakes, salad dressings and energy drinks. It is particularly effective when added to caffeinated beverages, as it evens out the effects of caffeine and minimizes or even eliminates the typical “caffeine crash” that many people experience. Energy from the fat in MCT oil, while it is metabolized quickly, is also slow burning. The caffeine will still give you a kick, but the medium-chain triglycerides help to extend and even out its effects in the hours that follow.
Can you cook with MCT oil?
It can definitely be used for cooking. However, the smoke point is 320°F so it should only be used for low to medium temperature cooking.
I recommend cooking with coconut oil instead because it’s smoke point is higher at 350°F. If heated above the smoke point, the fats will become damaged.
A Convenient, Concentrated Source For Health-Promoting Medium-Chain Triglycerides
MCT oils are extremely health-promoting and should be consumed every day. Interest in this potent oil has been on the rise, as evidenced by the significant spike in searches since late 2015 shown by Google Trends. Food sources for MCT oil include coconut oil, grass-fed organic butter, palm kernel oil, grass-fed beef and full fat dairy products. However, MCT oil offers a convenient, concentrated way to get more of these energy-boosting compounds.
So now you fully comprehend how mct oil is made and what is mct oil made from. Contract nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies will be looking to meet the growing demand for this powerful oil by offering the highest quality blends possible to their customers.
Want to start taking this amazing supplement? My favorite is MCT oil powder which you can get at a 15% discount using discount code YUM15 at this link. It's available in liquid or capsule forms too if you prefer those. There really isn't a best mct oil for keto, but it's best to stick with well known brands.
Sources:
2. DrAxe.com
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Rob Brown
Hi Lisa,
First many thanks for the great recipes on Keto and low carb. They have really helped me to achieve my goals and maintain same.
The question of MCT oil also has been helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The biggest problem I have is the lack of bowel movement. An every other day, shot of MCT in my coffee keeps me regular.
On the down side is that the coconut, palm tree plantations in Asia and Philippines are destroying the forest/ jungles at a comparable rate to the destruction of the Amazon forest in Brazil. After all these are nuts, grown on trees which are not an annual crop until the trees have matured.
Everything in life is like a double edged sword of good vs bad.
Thanks again,
Rob.
Lisa MarcAurele
Hi Rob. It is unfortunate that the mass production of coconut products in Asia is changing the natural environment. However, the coconut industry has become very important for the economy of those countries. Coconuts are actually a fruit known as a drupe and not a nut.
karen
Please do not buy MCT from palm kernel oil. the palm plantations are taking over natural human and wildlife habitats. Similar to what has been happening in North America for decades and the Amazon. Today's most famous inhabitant of rainforests in tropical areas that are losing their fight for existence is the Orangutan.. and let us be aware that coconut production could become the next destroyer. So, please, look for sustainability in products.
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for sharing your opinion. I know a lot of coconuts come from the Philippines where I have a lot of family so I can look into that.
Sharon Brilla
Thank you for the easy to understand explanation of MCT Oil.
Dee
What you say is a load of B\S. The body will burn carbs and protein way before it thinks about burning fat. Besides, why buy the supplement when the real thing is easily available? One of my cupboards is full of jars of coconut oil. What is more, if the body has to work a lot harder to assimilate long chain tryglicerides then that is all the better as it will burn off a lot more calories in doing so.
Lisa
Coconut oil is only about 65% MCT. And, MCT oil is typically recommended for those on very low carb ketogenic diets where fat is the primary source of energy. This article is based on information found in reputable sources which are listed in the references at the bottom of the post.
Sue
Lisa, in your reply you say coconut oil is only about 15% MCT oil but the article says "The majority of coconut oil’s fatty acid content – around 65 percent – is considered to be of the medium-chain variety." ??
Lisa
That was a typo. Fixed.
Lisacambi
Anyone that's done any studying on the subject can verify her information in many different ways. If you don't believe the science, fine. Live based on your opinion, and I'll live based on the scientific facts that are verified over and over again. Opinion vs. fact - Fact will always win.