MCT oils have been used for so long. They have so many benefits, though the most outstanding one is their effectiveness with the keto diet. But what is MCT Oil to be specific? Well, the focus of this discussion is to answer that question. We will also discuss the health benefits of MCT oil. So, let us begin right away.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT is an acronym for Medium-chain triglycerides and simply made of medium-chain fatty acids. When we talk of the medium, we are referring to the chemical structure length. Basically, fats are constituted by strings of carbon along with hydrogen. What is the difference between long-chain and short-chain fats? The difference lies with the number of carbon atoms in the structure of the fat. Short-chain contains less than 6 carbon atoms while long-chains contain 13-21 carbon atoms in their structure. Medium-chain fats consist of 8-12 carbon atoms in their structure. The following are some of the main types of medium-chain fatty acids depending on the length of their structure:
- Caproic acid. It is also referred to as hexanoic acid. It is the shortest one with only 6 carbon atoms in its structure and metabolizes quite faster. Due to its unpleasant taste, it is often not used in the manufacture of MCT oils.
- Caprylic acid. Since it contains 8 carbon atoms in its structure, it is often referred to as octanoic acid. Due to its anti-microbial characteristics, it is vital in keeping the gut healthy. It is also effective and since it does not have any unpleasant smell or taste, it is often used in the manufacture of MCT oil.
- Capric acid. With 10 carbon atoms in its structure, it is often referred to as Decanoic acid. It does not metabolize as fast as the first two, though it changes to ketone relatively faster. It is commonly used in the manufacture of MCT oil.
- Lauric acid. This one has got a total of 12 carbon atoms in its structure, hence the name dodecanoic acid. It does not metabolize faster and therefore not used in the manufacture of MCT oil.
The reason behind the recent popularity of MCT oil is their effectiveness in weight loss. Several studies have established that MCT oil, specifically when integrated with ketogenic diet help in weight loss. How does it help in this regard? We discuss this in the next section.
The Health Benefits of MCT Oil
MCT oil has a lot of health benefits. As we earlier mentioned, these health benefits have contributed to their recent popularity. In this section, we are going to discuss some of these benefits. Continue reading…
- Efficient for weight loss. MCT oil is very effective in weight loss, especially if combined with a keto diet or workouts. If you’re thinking keto for weight loss visit simpleketotest.com. It helps to achieve significant results in the following ways:
- a) It enhances fat burning. MCT oil has a direct influence on fat burning. It stimulates oxidation of fats within the liver as well as in other tissues in the body. The fatty acids are broken down into energy in the form of ATP.
- b) It contains fewer calories. When compared to LCTs, they have probably 10% fewer calories. In general, it is a large number of calories that leads to more weight. The fact that it contains fewer calories makes it more beneficial. Also, the body breaks down MCT oil in a manner that augments the oxidation of calories. It has also been proven to lessen the chances of obesity.
- c) It lessens appetite and promotes satiety. Huge intake of fats can last an individual relatively longer than carbohydrates. It makes one full ad satiated for long. It also facilitates the production of ketones which reduces the levels of ghrelin, a hormone that facilitates hunger. But why do you remain full for long? Well, MCT oil improves the levels of cholecystokinin which makes you full.
- d) It promotes the production of ketones which keeps the body running during ketosis.
MCT oil is very effective in weight loss. However, there are more health benefits you can gain apart from weight loss.
- Immediate source of energy. Since MCT oil is absorbed faster than LCTs with a lot of carbon atoms, they are often referred to as super fuels. They go directly to the liver and not require bile to disintegrate. Within the liver, they are broken down and utilized for energy or stored. In order, MCT oil is absorbed directly and do not have to be broken down. For this reason, they serve as direct energy sources. Additionally, MCT can be directly converted into ketones in the liver when an individual is in ketosis. The ketones traverse blood-brain hurdle, making them the most convenient fuels for brain cells.
- MCT oil consist of fatty acids proved to limit the development of yeast as well as other bacteria. In general, it has several antimicrobial and antifungal benefits.
- Helps to manage the blood-sugar level and boost diabetes management. Generally, individuals fighting type 2 diabetes may often be overweight if not obese. This condition makes it so hard to manage diabetes. But as we earlier discussed, MCT oil cut the storage of fat and enhances fat burning. One study in China with a sample of 40 diabetic individuals established that daily use of MCT oil leads to significant weight loss and the circumference of the waist. In a similar study, 10 individuals suffering from diabetes were vaccinated with insulin. In the end, they required 30% fewer sugar to keep usual blood sugar levels after using MCT oil than LCTs
Conclusion
MCT oil has a lot of health benefits. For example, we have illustrated its contributions of mct weight loss. We have also seen that it has a lot of antifungal benefits and can help one to effectively manage diabetes. However, it may be disadvantageous also. Too much accumulation of fat in the liver may be dangerous. Maximize the use of all the health gains from MCTs with the use of MCT oil.