MCT oil is one of the hottest supplements these days. With the skyrocketing popularity of the keto diet and bulletproof coffee, everybody and their neighbor wants to know what it is and if they should use it.
What Is MCT Oil About?
MCT stands for medium chain triglyceride and the oil is rich in lauric acid. Coconut oil is often confused with MCT oil and people assume that they're the same. To a certain extent, they're similar, but there are differences too.
Most cold pressed coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides, but coconut oil also contains other kinds of fat that are not really required for weight loss. This is where MCT oil makes a difference.
Not All MCT Oil Is Made Equal
MCT oil is comprised of 100% medium chain triglycerides - which is more than what coconut oil contains. It is solely comprised of the fats necessary for weight loss. Many manufacturers try to pass off diluted lauric acid as MCT oil. So, you'll need to purchase quality high-grade oil from reputable suppliers.
Why Is MCT Oil So Effective In the Keto Diet?
This oil is assimilated very quickly by the body. Your body craves this type of fat. Unlike long-chain triglycerides that need to be processed by the pancreas and requires enzymes to digest, MCT oil absorption is much faster.
This oil is rapidly absorbed by the gut, travels through the bloodstream, and reaches the liver very quickly. So, what does that mean? Simple. It means your body can access fuel and get energy rapidly. That's what makes it so popular for bulletproof coffee.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
While there are some people who say that consuming bulletproof coffee is not a good idea, there are many who swear by it as a meal replacement and an aid to fat loss.
Since bulletproof coffee is high in calories from fat, most people on a keto diet just treat it as a breakfast meal. If you stop to think about it, the coffee is high in good fat, nutrients and a dose of caffeine to give you the mental boost you need to start the day.
That's better than most sugary cereals drowned in processed milk and followed by a glass of processed orange juice that's laden with sugar. First meal of the day and already people have consumed a ton of sugar. Bulletproof coffee is a much healthier option.
If you're not a coffee drinker, you can still add MCT to your salad as a salad dressing or just swallow 1 tsp a day. Initially, you should consume just 1 tsp and slowly work your way up to 1-4 tbsp a day.
Consuming MCT is hassle-free. Do note that since it has a low smoke point, you shouldn't use it for cooking. The heat generated during cooking also changes the chemical structure of the oil. So, it's best to consume it at room temperature or with coffee.
MCT oil offers a plethora of benefits for those who add it to their diet. Do give it a try and in a couple of weeks, you will feel the difference. Most respectable keto dieters will not be caught without his or her MCT oil. Just make sure you get a good quality oil.
References:
Coconut oil has less satiating properties than medium chain triglyceride oil
Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism
