A Beginners Guide to MCT Oil

MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides are a family of Fats, which contain 6-12 carbon atoms and are fully saturated. They are an excellent source of quick energy owing to their rapid conversion into ketones in the liver, primarily in keto-adapted individuals. Saturated Fats such as Coconut oil, Palm oil, Ghee, Butter, and animal fats are great sources of MCTs — roughly 15 percent of the fatty acids in coconut oil and palm oil are made up of MCTs (C8 & C10).

Coconut oil is a saturated fat(each carbon atom is bonded with a hydrogen ion) and stays in solid form at room temperature. Some of coconut oil’s main benefits are attributable to the presence of MCTs as well as lauric acid (C12).  When you’re on a Ketogenic diet, most of the MCTs are converted into ketones in the liver. These ketones can pass through your blood-brain barrier, making them an instant source of energy for your brain cells.

If you are not on a ketogenic diet, some of the MCTs are still converted to ketones while the rest go through the usual fatty acid metabolism pathway for energy usage and performing other metabolic functions. Note, however, that very rarely are the dietary MCTs converted to body fat(adipose tissue).

“MCTs are easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy due to being rapidly converted into ketones.’’

So, what are MCTS?

MCTs are fatty acids that contain a Medium-chain bond and are made up of up to 6-12 carbon atoms. These are shorter in chain length unlike Long-chain fatty acids like olive oil and have an advantage in the below terms:

•  Rapidly metabolized by the liver into ketones
• Provides fast and sustainable energy as compared to other fats
• Better for brain and memory function
• Supports weight loss and improves weight management.

MCTs Metabolism in the Body:

Unlike other long chain fatty acids, MCTs are very quickly broken down and absorbed into the body because of a shorter fatty acid chain and they travel straight to the liver for metabolism. In the liver, they can be used as an instant energy source or aid in forming ketone bodies(in the case of High-fat low-

“Unlike other long chain fatty acids, MCTs are very quickly broken down and absorbed into the body because of a shorter fatty acid chain and they travel straight to the liver for metabolism”

carbs diet), where fat goes into beta-oxidation process (fat breakdown) in the liver for body fuel. These ketone bodies can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide the brain and the rest of the body with an alternative and much more efficient source of energy, as against glucose, which is usually used as fuel. Thus, there are fewer chances of our body storing it as fat.

Who can benefit from MCT oil?

MCT oil is a supplement that has become popular among athletes, bodybuilders, diabetic & obese patients. The popularity of coconut oil, high in MCTs, has contributed to its use. It could also help manage brain and neurological conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Autism.

MCT benefits:

• Maintains healthy weight

• Due to its good fat content, it also has a high satiety value that gives you a feeling of fullness for a longer period, thereby preventing overeating.

• Helps to increase basal metabolic rate.

• Quick energy booster.

• Reduces cellular inflammation, the root cause of disease.

• If you have diabetes, fatty acids made by MCT may help you manage your condition better especially if you have a tendency of falling into hypoglycemia.

• Enhance immune health – Since MCT oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties and fat is required for improving immune function; MCT oil can be easily digested to release quick energy thus being the best alternative for people with impaired digestion and immune system.

• Improve gut health – It balances the gut good bacteria count and helps to combat pathogenic bacteria.

• Balances hormonal levels– Research has also proven that MCT oil helps in supporting the function of hormones and improves insulin sensitivity. As fats are required to synthesize body hormones, MCT oil being one of the healthiest fats has a definite add-on advantage.

“Coconut oil is best used for cooking and baking as it has a high smoking point. It has approximately 15% MCTs, thus it can be an excellent replacement for cooking refined oil which is loaded with unhealthy PUFAs”

How to use:

MCT Oil is best used in beverages or salads. Coffee is usually a favorite companion with MCT Oil since the caffeine stimulation works well with the ketone surge which the MCT Oil provides. However, coffee should never be consumed empty stomach. Use 10-20g (1-2 tbsp) of a good MCT powder in each cup of coffee. We prefer the powders to the Oils since the oils tend to separate out thus ruining our coffee taste. Coconut Oil or Butter are also used sometimes with coffee or tea beverages as a stimulant or energy booster.

One of the products we recommend is the KETOFUEL® ORIGINAL MCT powder from Neulife since it contains a 1:1 blend of MCT Oil (C8 & C10) with Coconut Oil (C12) for a balanced boost of energy, fat burning and immunity. This product also happens to be the only patented MCT Oil powder certified to be 100% carb-free by the U.S Patent Office. See their website for patent information.

Since it contains a balanced blend of MCT Oil and Coconut Oil, KETOFUEL® ORIGINAL could also be used as a dough by mixing with almond flour to bring down the overall carb-count of your recipes!

Disclaimer: Please discuss its use with your healthcare provider in case you have a health condition and/or if you are on any medications.

“Since it contains a balanced blend of MCT Oil and Coconut Oil, KETOFUEL® ORIGINAL could also be used as a dough by mixing with almond flour to bring down the overall carb-count of your recipes”

Purchase at Neulife

Purchase at Ketofuel