What is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a dietary supplement popular among athletes for its ability to increase energy and control appetite. It is found most commonly in coconut oils, but can also be found in palm and other dietary sources.
MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride. These medium-length chains of fatty acids are more easily digested than the long chains of fatty acids found in foods like fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. MCT oil can therefore be used as quickly, readily available fuel for the body.
While MCT oil is often made from coconut oil, it’s not the same. Coconut oil contains other types of fatty acid chains and doesn’t have the same range of benefits as pure MCT oil.
Benefits of MCT Oil
MCT oil has a wide range of potential benefits for any athlete or active individual.
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Boosts energy.
MCTs are digested quickly by the body, and can enter the cells as energy without having to be broken down by bile. This provides a reliable boost of energy and fuel, especially before a workout. MCTs can also pass through the blood-brain barrier and offer a quick source of energy for your brain cells.
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Promotes weight loss.
MCT oil has great potential as a weight loss aid. Along with containing 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglyceride fats, studies also show a few other reasons why MCT oil may help promote weight loss and encourage healthy weight management.
First, MCT oil helps you feel fuller faster. It releases two hormones – peptide YY and leptin – which control your satiety and appetite. Studies show that those who consume MCT oil at breakfast tend to eat less food later in the day, compared to those who take coconut oil or no oils.
Those who use MCT oil also notice a reduction in their weight and waist circumference, which suggests that MCT oil encourages weight loss.
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Increases fat metabolism.
MCT oil may also encourage fat metabolism. MCTs are broken down into ketones by the liver, which can then be burned instead of sugar for energy. MCT oil is often used by those on a ketogenic diet, to keep the body in the fat-burning state of ketosis.
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Reduces lactic acid build-up.
After a workout, lactic acid builds up in your muscles. This is what causes that dreaded muscle soreness that negatively impacts your ability to keep training at a high level. Studies show that those who take MCT oil before working out had lower lactate levels and reduced soreness.
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Helps manage diabetes.
MCT oil helps your body burn more fat, which in turn can help manage blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Studies show that people with diabetes who took MCT oil daily had weight loss, reduced waist circumference, and reduced insulin resistance.
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Reduces the risk of heart disease.
The risk of heart disease is closely linked to obesity. Since MCT oil supports healthy weight management, it can also support your heart health. Studies show that taking MCT oil also reduces LDL “bad” cholesterol levels up to 12.5% while increasing the production of HDL, the “good” cholesterol that protects the heart. Other studies suggest that MCT oil supports the heart by keeping inflammation levels at bay.
What is MCT Oil Used For?
MCT oil is most commonly used by athletes and active individuals who want to increase their energy and improve their performance. It is also used by those who are following a ketogenic diet to support the body’s fat-burning processes. It is also popular among people who are managing diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer's disease.
We include MCT oil in Unstoppable’s AM Tincture: Focus + Endurance 1000MG CBD and PM Tincture: Rest + Recovery 1000MG CBD to help support your recovery, energy, and performance.