Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats that are naturally found in coconut oil and other foods. MCT oils are a concentrated source of these fats. They're made by extracting the MCTs from coconut oil and combining them with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, olive oil, or another neutral oil. MCT oils are great because they're easy to digest, fast-burning fats that don't require enzymes to be broken down in the same way as longer chain fatty acids, such as those found in oils like olive or canola. That makes MCTs a good choice if you're looking for an easy way to add more fat to your diet.

Powerful energy source... or another nutrition fad? Don't fret. We'll explain the facts, how to use MCT Oil and how it could benefit your diet. 

 

What is MCT Oil?

Those of you who haven't heard of it may be confused by what MCT oil is. Put simply, it literally means "Medium-Chain-Triglyceride" in the form of an oil. Medium-chain triglycerides have different chemical properties than the more commonly known long-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid and caprylic acid found in most other fats. MCTs can be easily digested and broken down into ketones—a source of clean energy for the body. MCT oils are a combination of oils high in medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oils may be appealing because they can be easily used for cooking while also being healthy. Because of their structure, MCTs are broken down via digestion much more quickly than carbohydrates. This means MCT oil is one of the fastest-acting sources of clean fuel available to the human body. 

 

 

When sourced purely from coconut oil, you'll get a basic form of MCT called Lauric Acid. This slower-burning fuel source gives you that energy kick throughout your entire day. So keep an eye out for the quality stuff and read your MCT oil reviews. It also can come from lower quality oils, such as palm oil, or in dairy products, such as whole milk and butter. Ensure you choose one that is plant-based, such as coconut oil or similar, for the best results. Want to learn about Hemp Oil? Click here for our in depth guide.

 

 

How Does MCT Oil Work?

However you choose to consume MCT, you're putting less stress on your body to break down and create energy compared to other fats from meats and dairy. MCTs are a particular type of fat.

Typically, fats offer you the most energy production but are a pain for your body to digest and break down into usable energy. Most fats are broken down in your digestive tract and then absorbed into your lymphatic system, which transports them to your bloodstream.

Digesting heavy fats will put a strain on your liver this way. MCTs are transported directly to the liver for quick energy. Because MCTs are broken down so quickly, they don't cause significant changes in blood sugar or insulin levels, which may appeal to people with diabetes. There isn't a lot of data on how MCTs affect people with diabetes, so consult your doctor before adding MCT oil to your diet. MCTs are also metabolized differently than LCTs. While LCTs are predominantly broken down in the liver, MCTs are metabolized in the liver and the rest of the body. According to one study, this can help increase energy and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, the liver turns MCT into a single powerful energy source called Ketones. 

Ketones are a natural fuel source and happen to be precisely what the brain uses as fuel to operate. Furthermore, they're a super important form of energy used first by every muscle in your body! But can MCT oil help you loose weight? Hemp can! 

Need some hemp in your routine? Head over to our Tasmanian Organic Hemp Seed oil products here.

 

So To Recap: 

Using MCT is a super powerful way of getting the fuel your brain and body need because it is broken down into a significant energy source called Ketones.
Ketones!

These are what gave the "Keto" diet its name - where the body runs off of only ketones instead of carbohydrates. Remember, we are not endorsing the Keto diet here - remember, everything is in moderation, and what works for some bodies may not be the right fit for yours. But that's not to say you wouldn't benefit from trying MCT in some form as part of your regular diet.

 

But, Will MCT Help Me?

Maybe that was a lot to take in - let us give you the shortest answer: A likely yes. MCT Oil is becoming more frequently used in areas of professional movement. We can look to sports and athletics for the apparent use of MCTs as accessible and efficient energy in a supplement form.

Another potential benefit of adding MCT oil to your diet is improved athletic performance, especially endurance athletes. MCTs are metabolized in the liver and muscles, providing quick energy for intense situations. However, you don't need to go "Full Keto" or become a power-lifter to see the benefits.

 

  

Slow-burning energy can also be super helpful with controlling food cravings. Adding MCT oil or other MCT-containing foods to your diet may help you lose weight. This is because MCTs are metabolized in the liver, so they're converted into energy and don't produce any fat.

Those ketones are favoured by your brain as well as your muscles, so MCT is a fantastic candidate to go with your morning coffee - which is where bulletproof coffee comes from. One of the most important and noticeable things to get from your nutrition is having sustained energy during a long day of work at the site, the office or in the field – and MCT could help you with this. 

 

MCT and Cannabis

 

 

For the same reasons each hemp strain is unique, there are tonnes of cannabis oil formats and ways you can dose. You can buy traditional droppers or oral sprays, gels, and more. The best form for you will depend on how and why you intend to use the oil. MCT is a common choice of carrier for cannabis oil (A "carrier" means something that dilutes your oil and helps it enter the body). Some other carrier oils include grape seed, olive, and sunflower oil. 

However, MCT has become a popular choice with manufacturers because it has a neutral taste, unlike some other carriers, and its structure evenly absorbs cannabis compounds. This allows for accurate dosing. Because this fat is so easily absorbed by the liver, it lets the cannabinoid's effects kick in faster than with other carrier oils. Learn more about cannabis and how it works on your ECS system here. 

 

MCT and Alzheimer's

Did you know MCT is being researched for its potential capability of aiding Alzheimer's? Some research has suggested that MCT oil can benefit people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. In a nutshell, the Alzheimer's condition stops the brain from being able to use sugar to function.

MCT offers the brain an alternative energy source for suffering patients, as it breaks down into ketones, not sugar. Studies have shown that MCT could also help block receptors in the brain responsible for memory loss. Another study found that people with mild cognitive impairment who took MCT oil supplements for 6 months experienced fewer cognitive impairments compared to people who didn't take the MCT oils. Terpenes are another wonderful plant based molecule and if you are interested in reading about the health benefits, click this link. 

Pretty neat. 

MCT Can Treat Epilepsy

One of the most well-known uses of MCT oil is for those with epilepsy. In fact, MCT oil was first used as a treatment for epilepsy in the 1920s, and has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in some people. This is thought to be due to the ability of MCTs to be quickly converted into ketones, which can provide an alternative source of energy for the brain.

 

MCT and Diabetes

MCT oil may also be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. In one study, MCT oil was shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to control blood sugar levels. This is thought to be due to the ability of MCTs to be quickly converted into ketones, which can provide an alternative source of energy for the body.

 

 

 

Finding the Best Source

MCT Oil is available to buy both online and in many popular retailers for reasonable prices. For our Aussies, you can just punch in "MCT Oil Coles" into your search browser to find the closest in-store near you. It's also sold almost everywhere online, so seeing it won't be a problem. Remember, you are best to research which source is for you (As always, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or suspect a medical condition, please consult a doctor before taking any nutritional supplements). 

Overall, MCT oil has numerous potential health benefits and can be helpful for those with a variety of diseases. While more research is needed, it may be worth considering as a natural, plant-based option for improving health and supporting overall well-being.

MCT oil is high in calories, so people who take it should be careful not to overdo it. MCT oil can also cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and cramping in people who aren't used to taking it. 

Simply put... 

• MCT is a very efficient source of energy.
• Helps control cravings with longer-lasting energy.
• You do not need to be an athlete to use MCT. 

 Need more info about Hemp Seed oil vs Fish Oil? Check our in-depth article here.