Holistic health professionals have called it "rocket fuel" for the brain. Studies have shown that it revs up metabolism, stabilizes blood sugars, and helps regulate the appetite. Paleo acolytes swear by it. So what is this powerful substance? The answer is MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil. Below, we explain what MCT oil is, how it can benefit your body, and how you can incorporate more of it into your diet.
What Is MCT Oil?
Medium-chain triglycerides are a unique type of fatty acid. The "medium" part of MTC's name refers to the length of its chemical structure. Fatty acids — made up of carbon and hydrogen strands — are deemed "short," "medium," or "long" according to the number of carbons they have. Short-chain triglycerides have …show more content…
If long-chain triglycerides are like a whole banana, MCT is like a smoothie. For digestive systems that struggle to or cannot absorb long-chain fatty acids, MCT provides an easily digested alternative. As mentioned earlier, MCT swaps the digestive process for metabolism in the liver. As a result, MCT is a healthy source of fat for people with problems like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, diarrhea, liver disease, or steatorrhea (fat …show more content…
In animals, MCT has shown to improve gut health by promoting the digestion of nutrients like fiber and proteins. MCT may also help kill viruses and bad bacteria that can cause digestive issues such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
"Good" Cholesterol Boost
While research is still emerging on the benefits of MCT on cardiovascular health, two benefits are fairly well established. First, MCT can help prevent obesity, which is not only related to heart disease but can also independently predict it. Second, research has shown that coconut oil, which is loaded with MCT, raises HDL (or "good" cholesterol) levels. Higher levels of good cholesterol can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, as HDL helps remove "bad," or LDL, cholesterol from the arteries.
Elevated Mood
We've long known that fatty-acid supplements can help with depressive disorders. So far, most of the research has focused on omega-3 fatty acids, which are long-chain triglycerides. As we learn more, however, we're likely to discover that MCT has the same
What Is MCT Oil?
Medium-chain triglycerides are a unique type of fatty acid. The "medium" part of MTC's name refers to the length of its chemical structure. Fatty acids — made up of carbon and hydrogen strands — are deemed "short," "medium," or "long" according to the number of carbons they have. Short-chain triglycerides have …show more content…
If long-chain triglycerides are like a whole banana, MCT is like a smoothie. For digestive systems that struggle to or cannot absorb long-chain fatty acids, MCT provides an easily digested alternative. As mentioned earlier, MCT swaps the digestive process for metabolism in the liver. As a result, MCT is a healthy source of fat for people with problems like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, diarrhea, liver disease, or steatorrhea (fat …show more content…
In animals, MCT has shown to improve gut health by promoting the digestion of nutrients like fiber and proteins. MCT may also help kill viruses and bad bacteria that can cause digestive issues such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
"Good" Cholesterol Boost
While research is still emerging on the benefits of MCT on cardiovascular health, two benefits are fairly well established. First, MCT can help prevent obesity, which is not only related to heart disease but can also independently predict it. Second, research has shown that coconut oil, which is loaded with MCT, raises HDL (or "good" cholesterol) levels. Higher levels of good cholesterol can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, as HDL helps remove "bad," or LDL, cholesterol from the arteries.
Elevated Mood
We've long known that fatty-acid supplements can help with depressive disorders. So far, most of the research has focused on omega-3 fatty acids, which are long-chain triglycerides. As we learn more, however, we're likely to discover that MCT has the same