What is MCT Oil

If you like following health journals or you read a lot of articles on how to improve your health then you may have already encountered MCT oil. But do you really know what it is?

What is MCT oil?

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which consist of medium-chain fatty acids. This basically means that in terms of chemical structure, its fats that make up the strings of carbon and hydrogen are only “medium” in length. Short-chain fats have less than six carbons in its strings, while long-chain fats have 13 to 21 – medium-chain fatty acids are right smack in the middle with 6 to 12 carbons in its strings.

There are three separate fatty acids that are identified as MCT. You have C6:0 or Caproic Acid, C8:0 or Caprylic Acid, and C10:0 or Capric Acid – all of these you can find in coconut oil.

Caproic Acid; while there’s not enough of it in coconut oil, is known for quickly converting into ketones (the result of the body burning fat for energy) and not turning into stored fat. C6 tastes bad and usually causes an upset stomach.

Caprylic Acid, a.k.a. Brain Octane is known for having powerful anti-microbial properties that can help the body maintain a healthy gut (which is a must in boosting the immune system), and support mood and mental health. Studies have also proven that Brain Octane is exceptionally effective in curbing cravings and this is why a lot of weight management products on the market these days feature C8 in their list of “super” ingredients.

As for Capric Acid, it’s not as high performing as Caprylic Acid – it’s definitely slower in terms of converting into energy, but it’s more affordable than C8.

Benefits of MCTs

• They are used therapeutically for people with malabsorption problems, like Crohn’s Disease or a missing bladder.
• They may be helpful in treating diabetes and hypertension because they support proper metabolic functioning.
• They will allow you to increase the amount of carbohydrates you can eat while remaining in “ketosis.”

Other Sources of MCTs

1. Palm kernel oil
2. Full milk (from grass-fed cows)
3. Butter
4. Cheddar cheese
5. Full-fat yogurt

How to Incorporate MCTs into Your Diet

• Use MCT oil, an egg yolk, extra virgin olive oil, lime extract, and salt for your homemade mayo to use for sandwiches and salads.
• Use MCT oil for salad dressings.
• Add some to smoothies and other healthy drinks.
• Use MCT oil as replacement for any recipe that asks for coconut oil.

MCT oil can do wonders for your overall wellness. If you wish to manage your weight, have more energy, concentrate better, and lower your risk of developing infectious diseases, MCT oil should definitely figure in your health regimen.

Author Bio: Chelsea Sawyer is a certified health coach. She has been helping many people in changing their behaviors to keep them focused on achieving their health and fitness goals. With great passion for writing, her hobbies include writing and sharing helpful techniques on various health topics. She visits sites like Bulletproof