With changing times, the importance of health is growing. On an individual level, it is fitness and well-being but if you see the larger picture, it is now counted as an inseparable aspect of development.
Thus, everything now revolves around health consciousness, and so are the choices. One such choice that emerged is MCT oil. MCT stands for multichain triglycerides.
It is a short fat chain easy to digest and hence gained popularity among athletes, health enthusiasts, and bodybuilders.
It is mainly found in coconut oil (50%) and dairy in lower concentrations. Its growing popularity has also raised questions regarding its benefits.
If you also have any, follow up on this article as it will provide a quick snapshot of the pros of MCT oil.
Contents
- 1 Benefits Of MCT Oil
- 1.1 May Promote Weight Loss
- 1.2 Could Be Helpful For Gut
- 1.3 May Improve Fat Absorption
- 1.4 May Support Antimicrobial Activity
- 1.5 Hormone Balance
- 1.6 Keto Friendly
- 1.7 Excellent Energy Source
- 1.8 May Reduce Lactate Buildup
- 1.9 May Improve Cognitive Function
- 1.10 May Improve Heart Health
- 1.11 May Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
- 1.12 May Uplift Your Mood
- 1.13 May Boost Your Workout Experience
- 2 Conclusion
Benefits Of MCT Oil
May Promote Weight Loss
For quite some time, people believe that MCT oil is easier to digest and also promotes the feeling of fullness. Although it may not show results alone when combined with a weight loss diet and exercise, it can be much more effective.
They undergo rapid metabolism in the liver which prevents fat accumulation. This process also releases heat and the process is called thermogenesis. Thus, it may stimulate weight loss by burning fat.
Moreover, medium-chain triglycerides contain about 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides. That is why people are preferring coconut oil( MCT) over olive oil and avocados, especially during weight loss.
MCT also releases two hormones i.e. peptide YY and leptin. These keep you full for longer without actually having to eat much.
People who accommodate MCT oil in their breakfast may witness better results like reduced weight, reduced hunger, decreased waist circumference, and weight.
Moreover, MCT may also turn out to be a preventive element for obesity.
Could Be Helpful For Gut
MCT oil may also keep your gut lining healthy by increasing the growth of good bacteria. It also improves the permeability of the gut lining which ensures better metabolic function.
As they are also fats, they stimulate digestion better than carbs causing contractions and movement in the digestive tract. It may also prevent problems like leaky gut and its symptoms like bloating, cramping, and constipation.
May Improve Fat Absorption
Fat is also essential for the body to function normally. However, some people face difficulty absorbing fatty acids. So, they may face problems like malnutrition, hormone imbalance, and digestive discomfort.
Luckily, MCTs are medium-chain fatty acids that can be easily digested by people facing such problems.
May Support Antimicrobial Activity
Caprylic acid present in the MCT oil is a component that supports immune function. It restricts the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. The ability of coconut oil to prevent the growth of fungus, yeast, and bacteria due to MCTs.
In such a way, it may prevent infection and sustain the growth of healthy gut microbes.
Although enough studies are not available to approve of medium-chain fatty acids as antimicrobials, their component caprylic acid exhibits these properties.
Hormone Balance
Fats or adipose tissue play a major role in hormone production. Their deficiency may lead to fluctuations in hormone levels and disrupted regulation of glucose and cholesterol.
MCT oil may prove to be helpful by being a reliable fat source. It will sustain the fat balance in the body for hormone production. Moreover, its digestive benefits and antimicrobial property help sustain hormonal balance better.
Keto Friendly
People following a ketogenic diet struggle a lot in finding the right options. MCT oil can fit in right as it is a good fat source and will sustain ketosis.
Studies also suggest that MCT oil supports ketone production in the body. Additionally, the octanoate produced blocks the accumulation of excess fats.
Excellent Energy Source
MCT oils contain more carbon in their chains. They are also easy to digest and promote rapid metabolism. They reduce the digestion time as they travel quickly from the gut to the liver.
They can be absorbed by the cells directly so the need for bile juice for this purpose gets eliminated. It may act as an immediate energy source.
For people following a ketogenic diet, the liver breaks them down into ketones. These travel through the blood to supply the brain cells with enough energy.
May Reduce Lactate Buildup
Lactate buildup is common, especially after long sessions of workout or intense workouts. The lack of oxygen and increasing energy demands may lead to the production of this byproduct. It is the reason behind cramps and fatigue after exercise.
Studies have found that consuming MCT oil before exercising may lower the lactate buildup in the muscles. It may also provide energy and help exercise better.
Although, some studies suggest that it may not make a difference in athletic performance. Nevertheless, no evidence to date suggests that it hurts athletic performance.
May Improve Cognitive Function
Lactate buildup is common, especially after long sessions of workout or intense workouts. The lack of oxygen and increasing energy demands may lead to the production of this byproduct. It is the reason behind cramps and fatigue after exercise.
Studies have found that consuming MCT oil before exercising may lower the lactate buildup in the muscles. It may also provide energy and help exercise better.
Although, some studies suggest that it may not make a difference in athletic performance. Nevertheless, no evidence to date suggests that it hurts athletic performance.
May Improve Heart Health
High cholesterol, inflammation, and obesity are factors that deteriorate heart health. MCT oil may turn out to be a boon for heart health by combating these factors.
The first way it helps is through weight management. Studies have shown that overweight men taking a combination of flax seeds, MCT oil, and phytosterols witnessed a drop in cholesterol levels by 12.5 percent.
It is way more than the impact of olive oil on cholesterol levels. It lowers bad cholesterol while boosting good cholesterol i.e. HDL cholesterol levels.
It may also reduce inflammation and provide additional heart health benefits by controlling blood pressure.
May Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes and fluctuating blood sugar levels are also major health concerns. MCT oil may provide additional help to manage blood sugar levels if combined with treatment and a suitable diet.
It prevents fat accumulation and boosts metabolism to burn fat. This action is linked to controlled blood sugar levels. Decreasing body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance may solve the problem of diabetes.
MCTs also reduce the affinity for sugar in people taking insulin shots. This effect is due to its ability to be broken into ketones and supply energy providing alternatives to sugar.
May Uplift Your Mood
Overall mental well-being and mood upliftment are also not untouched by MCT oil. As it promotes healthy gut bacteria and also neurotransmitter production, it keeps you rejuvenated.Anecdotal evidence suggests that it boosts mood and helps fight anxiety and depression. Combining MCT oil with diet may reduce the urge to take pills for mood upliftment and depression.
May Boost Your Workout Experience
Adding a tablespoon of MCT oil before a workout session may have a similar effect to that of caffeine. It may fire up your metabolism and endurance while providing the energy to cater to increased energy demands.
Conclusion
MCT oil is the new buzz in the health industry due to its big name and the benefits it provides. It is a keto-friendly ingredient that can help lose weight, regulate blood sugar levels and also reap additional benefits.
MCT oil has a greater scope in the health sector which unleashes with increasing studies conducted. However, before starting its use, it is better to speak to a health professional for better advice.
Just like any other supplement, MCT oil also has some side effects like it affects hunger hormones and may increase fat buildup with excessive use.