Over the past few years, MCT oil has been hailed as one of the miracle ‘supplements’ that assists in weight loss and helps to improve overall wellness. The term ‘supplement’ is loosely used because MCT oil is an almost natural product.

MCT oil is actually a particular type of fat molecule (medium-chain triglycerides) that has been isolated to make it easier for the body to absorb. MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides.

In this article, we’ll look at several benefits of MCT oil and why it’s an indispensable tool in your arsenal if you’re doing the keto diet.

If you’re not familiar with MCT oils or what they are, read our “What are MCT oils and are they good for me?” article

Health Benefit Of MCT Oil #1 – MCT oil helps increase your blood ketones

While coconut oil is good and rich in a lot of different saturated fats, MCT oil contains only the medium-chain length fats containing between six and twelve carbon atom. C-8 and C-10. These fatty acids include:

Caproic acid (C6)

Caprylic acid (C8)

Capric acid (C10)

Lauric acid (C12)

Most commercially available MCT oils contain either caprylic acid (C8) or capric acid (C10) or a combination of both fats.

The concentrated source of MCT oil can translate to reaching ketosis quicker. In the beginning stages of the keto diet, many beginners struggle to achieve a state of ketosis. Getting the body to burn fat (ketones) for fuel instead of glucose is an uphill task.

You want the body to rapidly use the fats you’re consuming in order to stimulate ketosis. With MCT oil, you can achieve this.

Health Benefit Of MCT Oil #2 -MCT oil can help improve your metabolism

When combined with high-intensity interval training and intermittent fasting, MCT oil can help to boost your metabolism. This will mean that your body burns more calories while at rest… and it’ll be much tougher to regain the pounds you’ve worked hard to lose.

The thermogenic properties of MCT oil will help you to lose as much weight as possible. Which means you can reach your weight loss goals sooner.

Health Benefit Of MCT Oil #3 – MCT Oil helps decrease your hunger

It’s very common for people who are on a normal high carbohydrate diet to feel hungry about 2 hours after their meal. Since the body burns glucose for fuel, it needs a constant supply of glucose… which means that you need to keep eating. This leads to obesity, which has now reached epidemic proportions.

Often, the foods consumed are low in nutrients that the body needs. So, it craves more nutrients, but people keep feeding their bodies with processed foods that are high in carbs and sugar but low in nutrients the body really wants and needs… which is why they constantly feel hungry.

MCT oil may work better than coconut oil for decreasing hunger. One study showed that people taking MCT oil were less hungry than those taking coconut oil.

When you consume MCT oil, this is exactly the type of fat the body needs, and it quickly absorbs  the medium-chain triglycerides. In response to the MCT oil, the body releases two hormones (leptin and peptide YY) that make you feel satiated (less hungry)  When mixed in bulletproof coffee that contains ghee or butter, the body feels satiated and has energy for hours. 

MCT oil is a cleaner fuel source than glucose and the body easily uses it for energy. Your hunger and cravings will vanish.

Health Benefit Of MCT Oil #4 -MCT Oil Helps stabilize blood sugar levels

It’s almost impossible to lose weight when your blood sugar levels keep spiking. This often happens when you consume carbs throughout the day, and your body keeps releasing insulin.

Fat loss grinds to an abrupt halt when there’s glucose in your blood. When you’re consuming MCT oil and on a keto diet, your blood sugar levels will be stable, and you’ll be able to shed the excess pounds much faster.

Health Benefit Of MCT Oil #5 – Instant Energy Source

MCT are metabolized differently by the body than other longer chain triglycerides (LCTs). MCTs can be rapidly absorbed by the intestine and used by the liver as an energy source or converted into ketones (what is a ketone article )

These five reasons alone should make you seriously consider adding MCT oil to your diet. Besides the benefits mentioned above, it’s also a good source of energy, boosts your immune system, helps with muscle preservation, improves brain health and much more.

Research

Coconut oil has less satiating properties than medium-chain triglyceride oil 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938417302111