The Benefits of MCT Oil (Coconut Oil), What is MCT Oil?

By: Megan Faletra, MS, MPH, RDN.

Over the past few years you may have heard people talking about MCT Oil, or medium chain triglycerides, which is one of the newest healthy fats people are turning towards in the wellness and fitness community. MCT Oil is a healthy, easy-to-digest oil derived from coconuts that helps your body absorb fat more quickly and efficiently, leading to better performance, improved exercise recovery, and faster weight loss. The many benefits of MCT Oil, and overarching benefits of coconut oil show that it's a healthy, energy-boosting alternative to the caffeine or sugar drinks many consume on the regular. 

MCT oil is a type of oil made up entirely of medium chain triglycerides, which are saturated fatty acids found in both animal and plant foods. While that may sound like any other kind of fat, the interesting (and exciting!) part about MCT oil is that it can be quickly absorbed and metabolized by the body. 

Because the majority of the fats we consume in our diet are long-chain fatty acids, they are more difficult to break down, and cannot be used immediately as a source of energy -- this is where MCT oil is different. MCT oil can be passively absorbed by the body, and transported directly to the liver where they can then be used to provide fast-acting energy. 

What Are The Potential Health Benefits Of MCT Oil?

While there are many potential health benefits of MCT oil, the most researched use for MCT oil is the positive and immediate effect it can have on a person’s energy, and its potential for providing increased endurance during high-intensity exercise. MCT Oil can actually be considered a form of super fuel, as they provide a boost of clean energy without accelerating the metabolism or causing weight gain.

Additionally, MCT Oil is the very best source of fat for those who are interested in reaching a ketogenic diet. MCTs can be turned quickly into ketones, which can help you feel less hungry and boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even after eating. 

More recently, research has also started to look at using MCTs for weight management, and improved insulin sensitivity, particularly in adults with diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

When it comes to adding MCT oil into your daily life there are many ways you can reap the benefits of MCT oil without really changing up your diet all that much. Our team at ALOHA understands the benefits of MCT Oil, and made sure it was added as a crucial ingredient to all of our plant-based protein drinks.

Luckily a little really does go along way, and when it comes to supplementing with MCT oil, less really is more.

Generally speaking, MCTs can be a healthy part of a person's diet, and can be found in coconut-based drinks, coconut oil, full-fat yogurt, butter. They also can be added directly to your morning coffee or smoothie in the form of 100% MCT oil, which can be found these days at most health food stores.

 

MCT oil can help with weight loss, improve cognitive function, boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, and even help with digestive issues. Many call it a "super fuel," and we at team ALOHA are a part of that many.

Author:

Megan Faletra, MS, MPH, RDN.