If you’re on a low-carb, high-fat diet like the keto diet, then you’ve probably heard of MCT oil. This one-of-a-kind supplement is popular among dieters because it can help people lose weight. Studies have found that this oil not only reduces appetite by promoting satiety, it also increases the amount of fats the body can burn. But reducing weight is not the only thing MCT oil is good at. This healthful supplement also offers benefits for your brain, heart, metabolism and physical performance.

What is MCT?

MCT refers to medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat commonly found in plant oils like coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Composed of only 6 to 12 carbon atoms, MCTs are shorter than long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) like omega-3s but slightly longer than short-chain fatty acids like propionate.

Because of their convenient length, MCTs from food are processed by the body differently from LCFAs. MCTs go straight from the gut to the liver, where they are converted into ketones. The liver only produces ketones when it burns fat for energy — a state known as ketosis — in response to glucose deficiency. And because the keto diet aims to keep the body in constant ketosis, MCT oil complements this diet very well.

Extra virgin coconut oil is the best source of dietary MCTs and is a favorite among natural health advocates. MCTs can also be found in raw milk but not in skim milk, as the fat content of this processed milk has been drastically reduced. For people who cannot tolerate coconut oil, 100% pure, organic MCT oils are now available on the market.

The health benefits of MCT oil

Like coconut oil, MCT oil has also been extensively studied. Here are some of the health benefits of taking MCT oil that are backed by science.

Antimicrobial effects

You may have heard about coconut oil being good for your skin. Besides its amazing moisturizing properties, coconut oil also boasts potent antibacterial properties — all thanks to MCTs.

According to studies, MCTs are effective against many disease-causing bacteria and fungi. For instance, a study which appeared in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, is susceptible to MCTs.

Cholesterol reduction

MCTs are known to be healthy fats. Like omega-3 fatty acids, MCTs can protect and keep the heart healthy. One study involving 40 women found that MCT can reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and improve HDL or good cholesterol levels. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease.

Blood sugar control

In addition to cholesterol, MCTs also have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. A study found that MCTs help reduce insulin resistance, one of the leading risk factors for diabetes. Because of this, MCT oil is recommended for the management of diabetes.

Brain function and Alzheimer’s disease

The brain’s primary source of energy is glucose. But research has found that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have an impaired ability to use glucose as fuel. However, their brains’ ability to use ketones is, surprisingly, unaffected. This led researchers to believe that ketones can be used to prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer patients. Studies on the potential of MCTs to improve brain function are still ongoing.

Energy boost

There is evidence suggesting that MCTs can enhance the endurance of athletes who regularly engage in strenuous physical activities. According to a study published in PLOS ONE, MCTs can increase the expression of genes involved in the production of new mitochondria — the power generators of cells. Increased muscle mitochondria improves a person’s resistance to fatigue, especially during exercise.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

Diabetes.org

Blog.Paleohacks.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Journals.PLOS.org

Physiology.org