MCT oil – does it really boost energy and have slimming properties?

There are currently many dietary supplements available to help us achieve our goals. One of them is MCT oil, which has been growing in popularity for some time. It is best known for its benefits in sports, weight loss and fat reduction. However, MCT oil can do much more. What is worth knowing about it and how can its hidden potential be exploited?

MCT oil, medium-chain fatty acids – what are they?

The acronym ‘MCT’ comes from the English term ‘medium-chain triglycerides’ – medium-chain fatty acids. These are naturally occurring fatty acids, which means they are easily digested by our body.

Oil produced from medium-chain triglycerides does not pass through our lymphatic system, but goes directly to the liver, where it is metabolised into energy. This means that despite functioning in a similar way to carbohydrates, MCT oil is not stored as fat.

For this reason, athletes and people who want to lose weight successfully use MCT oil because it helps improve body composition by burning fat and supporting muscle growth at the same time.

MCT oil – what is it extracted from?

MCT oil is produced through a process called fractionation. This process involves extracting fatty acids according to their molecular weight. This makes it possible to compose an oil with a specific concentration and unique properties.

MCT oil itself is extracted mainly from natural sources of medium-chain triglycerides, including coconut fat and freshly harvested Guinea oil seeds, which are characterised by a high content of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid, also known as decanoic acid (C10).

Caprylic acid - it is believed to regulate digestive processes and suppress appetite (especially for foods rich in sugar), which is why caprylic acid is increasingly used in weight loss supplements.

Capric acid (decanoic acid) - is a source of energy for mitochondria (it has high energy potential), which is why it is so popular among physically active people and endurance athletes.

MCT oil – what are its properties?

MCT oil is known for its unique properties related to the human body, which can have significant health benefits. Studies confirm that MCT oil can be used in weight loss treatments, improving athletic performance, memory care, and many other areas. What are the properties and benefits of using MCT oil?

• Helps with weight loss – due to its effect on thermogenesis and satiety, MCT appears to be an effective treatment for overweight and obesity by reducing food intake. Clinical studies suggest that daily use of the oil can help reduce body weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage.

• Helps protect heart health – MCT appears to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This effect is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil;

• Supports hormonal balance – the fatty acids contained in MCT oil have a beneficial effect on hormone management. In addition, a number of clinical studies suggest that MCT oil improves insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to stabilise blood sugar levels;

• Improves memory – MCT oil, used as an alternative source of energy to glucose, can have a beneficial effect on memory. Studies conducted with people suffering from Alzheimer's disease have reported a slight improvement in memory recall with regular use of MCT oil;

• Regulates stomach and intestinal function – one of the properties of MCT oil is the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Doctors use the oil to treat short bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis and many other conditions. In addition, MCT oil can reduce abdominal pain;

• Anti-epileptic properties – the ketogenic diet is used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Using MCT as part of a keto diet can help prevent epilepsy by reducing potential seizures.

MCT oil for weight loss – KETO diet and LCHF diet

MCT oil has long been known as an effective weight loss remedy. On the one hand, it should provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety. On the other hand, containing about 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides, its use promotes increased energy consumption during digestion. The above functions of MCT oil are extremely useful on a ketogenic diet (KETO diet), helping to maintain a state called ketosis, and on a low-carbohydrate diet.

The mechanism of action of MCT appears to inhibit fat storage while increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation in both animals and humans. In other words, it helps the body produce ketones, fats that replace carbohydrates in providing the body with the energy it needs to survive.

What to combine MCT oil with? – the best combinations

How should MCT oil be taken, and what is it best to combine it with? Before we address these questions, it is important to mention the right time to take MCT oil, which is during a meal. This is when the body can best absorb and process the nutrients obtained from the oil.

MCT oil itself is worth combining with smoothies, yoghurt, coffee or salad dressings and freshly squeezed juices. As it has no noticeable, characteristic flavour notes (neutral taste), it is a neutral additive that goes well with most drinks and solid foods.

Bulletproof coffee recipe

Bulletproof coffee – a unique recipe with MCT oil

Coffee certainly deserves special attention when it comes to what to combine MCT oil with. An increasingly popular trend among MCT oil consumers is bulletproof coffee. It is said that drinking it as a substitute for breakfast helps the body burn fat and at the same time provides it with a noticeable supply of energy. What's more, the combination with caffeine seems to improve concentration and mental strength.

What is worth knowing about bulletproof coffee itself? It is a drink that combines coffee with butter (usually unsalted) and MCT oil. So how do you make bulletproof coffee correctly? You will need:

• Your favourite coffee – 150 to 200 ml

• Clarified butter – 1 or 2 tablespoons (approx. 10 g)

• MCT oil – 2 to 4 tablespoons (10-20 g)

Pour the brewed coffee into a blender, then add the rest of the ingredients. Blend for approx. 20-30 seconds, then pour into a mug. You can add cocoa powder, stevia or sugar-free syrup, as well as cinnamon to the prepared drink.

MCT oil and the liver – is it healthy?

Dietary supplements in the form of MCT oil are well tolerated by the liver when consumed in appropriate portions. However, consuming too much oil can lead to excessive fat accumulation in the liver.

The liver breaks down and uses fats as fuel or stores them as adipose tissue. Due to its shorter chain length, MCT travels directly from the intestine to the liver, requiring no bile for further breakdown.

In the long term, taking too high doses of MCT oil may increase the amount of fat in the liver, causing potential complications in people with diagnosed fatty liver disease.

MCT oil and side effects – what to watch out for?

Although MCT oil is considered safe for health, it can cause certain side effects if the dietary supplement is used incorrectly.

Possible side effects of MCT oil when consumed in excess include:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Heartburn

As with any supplement, consult your doctor before starting to use MCT oil and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Bibliography

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