4 MCT Coconut Oil Benefits

MCT coconut oil is easily digested, absorbed, and utilized as energy. Among other benefits, it fuels the brain and enhances cognitive function, promotes weight loss, and helps with neurological disorders.

Primary Key Points

Cognition Enhancement: MCT coconut oil quickly converts to ketones, providing the brain with immediate energy, improving cognitive function, and reducing brain fog.

Weight Loss Promotion: MCTs are rapidly utilized for energy, promoting fat breakdown and helping in weight loss. They also support the production of ketones, which assist in fat burning.

Neurological Disorders Control: MCT oil supports brain health and can help manage conditions such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and autism by providing an alternative energy source for brain cells.

Diabetes Management: MCT oil may improve insulin resistance and help manage Type II Diabetes by reducing total body insulin resistance.

What is MCT Coconut Oil

The last few years have witnessed an increased interest in medium-chain triglycerides, known as MCTs. This oil has become a top-rated supplement among athletes and weight loss programs. But what are medium-chain triglycerides exactly?

MCTs are naturally occurring fats consisting of three saturated fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. They are 6-12 carbon atoms in length and easily digested. Other fats, such as long-chain triglycerides, require passage through the gastrointestinal tract to be broken down and delivered to the body as nutrition and energy.

Conversely, MCTs are quickly absorbed in the intestines and transported directly to the liver for energy or turned into ketones.

Ketones can cross from the blood to the brain, providing an alternative energy source instead of the glucose the brain usually uses for fuel. (1)

Given this fact, it is no wonder MCT oil has become a popular supplement often added to coffee, smoothies, and salads.

MCT Coconut Oil Benefits

1. Cognition Enhancement

MCTs are quickly converted to fuel and then to ketones, which can be used as brain energy.

They travel straight from the gut to the liver due to their shorter chain length, meaning they enter the cells without being broken down. Because of this, they can be used as an immediate energy source. (2)

The energy provided by MCT oil tackles brain fog and enhances cognitive function.

2. Weight Loss Promotion

Research has suggested that, due to differences in the metabolic effects of MCTs and LCTs, substituting MCTs for LCTs may assist in weight loss efforts.

MCTs are not as easily stored as LCTs in fat tissue, as they are utilized quickly for energy production. MCTs may increase fat breakdown and increase fat utilization for energy. (3)

Also, the body makes ketones when breaking down fat on a very low-carb diet. This can lower your insulin levels and help you burn fat. MCT enables you to make more ketones than LCT, which will help you get to the fat-burning phase faster. (4)

3. Neurological Disorders Control

Since ketones are one of the brain's "spare" fuels, researchers have examined the use of ketones from MCTs as an alternative energy source for those with brain cell malfunction.

MCT oil helps with memory problems and can help manage conditions such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and autism.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Ketones produced by MCT allow brain cells to survive better. It also blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss. (5)

Ketones help protect neurons in the brain from the adverse effects of beta-amyloid peptides (the ones responsible for forming brain plaques found in Alzheimer's patients), which can begin to accumulate in the brain years before symptoms of Alzheimer's appear.

Numerous clinical studies have shown that supplementing with MCTs can improve the symptoms of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. (6)

Epilepsy

Interestingly enough, the ketogenic diet was first introduced as a way of managing epilepsy before it gained popularity as a weight-loss diet.

Studies show that a high-fat ketogenic diet eases seizures, especially for children, and since MCT oil can be converted into ketones, it can prove beneficial in managing epilepsy.

One study found MCT blocked receptors in the brain that cause seizures. (7)

Autism

Autism is a spectrum condition, so using MCT oil can affect people in different ways. Still, one study did demonstrate positive improvements when the subjects followed the ketogenic diet for six months. (8)

4. Diabetes Management

There is evidence that MCTs may affect insulin resistance.

A study conducted with overweight subjects who had Type II Diabetes assessed that MCT supplementation could have potential benefits.

Forty subjects were recruited and randomized into two groups. One group received MCT oil, while the other received corn oil.

Results showed a significant decrease in total body insulin resistance in the MCT group. (9)

Side Effects

MCT oil is generally safe. Although uncommon, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects if consumed on an empty stomach or in large doses.

Conclusion

MCT oil is easily digested, absorbed, and utilized as energy.

Among other benefits, it fuels the brain and enhances cognitive function, promotes weight loss, and helps with neurological disorders.

MCT coconut oil is one of the main ingredients of our BrainTea formula. Order here.

FAQ

What is MCT coconut oil?

MCT coconut oil is a type of fat comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs are quickly absorbed, converted into ketones, and used as an immediate energy source.

How does MCT coconut oil benefit the brain?

MCT oil is converted into ketones, which the brain can use as an alternative energy source, improving cognitive function and reducing brain fog.

Can MCT oil help with weight loss?

Yes, MCT oil promotes fat breakdown and is rapidly used for energy, which can aid in weight loss. It also supports the production of ketones, which help the body burn fat more efficiently.

Is MCT oil helpful for neurological conditions?

Yes, MCT oil can help manage neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and autism by providing an alternative energy source for brain cells and protecting them from damage.

Are there any side effects of MCT oil?

MCT oil is generally safe, but some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects, especially if consumed on an empty stomach or in large doses.