MCT oil gained mainstream attention a few years ago with the rise in popularity of Bulletproof Coffee (a blend of coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil). Proponents of bulletproof coffee claim all sorts of benefits, from increased energy and improved mood, to aiding in weight loss and improving memory function. But how does it do all that? The answer lies in the key ingredient: MCT oil.
How Does MCT Oil Work?
MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are dietary fats that are found in certain foods, including coconut oil. Triglycerides, or fats, can be used in two ways by the body: they can either be burned for energy, or stored as fat. Whereas long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) are not rapidly broken down, MCTs are readily absorbed into the body. They travel straight to the liver, where they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones.
Benefits of MCT Oil
Because of these properties, supplemental MCT oil can provide significant benefits. Some of those benefits include:
Blood sugar regulation
Supplementing weight loss
Supporting heart health
Improving memory function
Let’s talk about memory function for a minute. Maybe you’re thinking: can a supplement really help my brain work better? The answer is absolutely it can. Aside from glucose, ketones are the main fuel for your brain. Because MCT oil is absorbed quickly and then turned into ketones, it helps provide that fuel. This is actually where I notice the biggest benefit when I take MCT oil. Words come to me quicker, and I feel like my brain is much more quick to respond than when I don’t take it.
—Are you struggling with memory function, fatigue or low energy? Click here to schedule a free consultation to see if nutritional therapy might be a good fit for you.—
All MCTs Are Not Created Equal
There are actually 4 types of MCTs:
C6: Caproic Acid
C8: Caprylic Acid
C10: Capric acid
C12: Lauric Acid
Of these different types, C8, Caprylic Acid, has shown to be most readily taken up by the brain. It is also the most advantageous in terms of fat burning, or if you follow a ketogenic diet. It’s also worth noting that the type of MCT found in coconut oil is C10. Coconut oil has its own list of benefits, but if you want to take MCT oil as a supplement, you want one that is made up of C8.
How Should You Take MCT oil?
Once you’ve found an MCT oil made up of C8, how do you use it? Well, I recommend starting out slowly, as it can create a bowel urgency. It’s best to start out with 1 tsp and then build up from there, so you give your body the chance to adjust. I also recommend taking it regularly for a month, and then taking a week or so off to see how you feel. Then start up again as desired.
MCT can come in the form of a powder or an oil. I enjoy both varieties, but if you are traveling or don’t like the consistency of an oil, then you’ll want to go with a powder. The oil will also separate in cold beverages, whereas the powder dissolves in both hot and cold beverages. You can mix your MCT into a smoothie, stir it into a protein shake, or take the oil itself as a shot. I use Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder. It contains acacia fiber which can provide digestive support. Save 15% off your first order by clicking here!
Power Coffee Recipe
My favorite way to take MCT is to blend it into Power Coffee. Here’s my recipe if you want to give it a try:
Ingredients
1 cup of brewed coffee
1 Scoop, of MCT Oil Powder, Such as Perfect Keto MCT oil powder
1 scoop of collagen
Creamer and/or stevia (optional, if you like a sweeter drink)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy! I use this handheld frother and it works really well to blend my coffee.
Want to learn more about improving your wellness with MCT and my other pillars of health? Get in touch with me today to find out how nutritional therapy can help you feel better and achieve maximum wellness!
*As always, this is not to be construed as medical advice. If you have health concerns or specific questions, please consult with your physician. This post is not sponsored. If you use the link I provide for MCT oil powder, you will receive a 15% discount off your first order and I will receive points towards a future purchase. As always, thank you for supporting my small business.
References:
Vandenberghe, C., St-Pierre, V., Pierotti, T., Fortier, M., Castellano, C. A., & Cunnane, S. C. (2017). Tricaprylin Alone Increases Plasma Ketone Response More Than Coconut Oil or Other Medium-Chain Triglycerides: An Acute Crossover Study in Healthy Adults. Current developments in nutrition, 1(4), e000257. https://doi.org/10.3945/cdn.116.000257