Have you been wondering about MCT oil—what it is, why you should know more about it, and how to use it?

What is MCT oil?

Found in natural health stores, MCT oil is a product of coconut oil. MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride, which describes the makeup of this particular kind of oil. MCTs differ in their chemical structure from othertypes of fats: they’re shorter and more quickly absorbed by the body.

Why should you know more about MCT oil?

Researchers have been testing MCT oil’s effects on many areas of human health. Although research is not conclusive, there is growing evidence that MCT oil may help in many areas.

Weight loss

MCT oil can support and manage healthy weight in a number of ways, principally by helping to make us feel fuller faster, despite being lower in calories than long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The body’s ability to absorb MCT oil faster means it more quickly becomes useful energy, bypassing the body’s need to store fat.

Energy production

Because MCTs are more rapidly absorbed by the body than long-chain triglycerides, it’s often called a “super fuel.” Their ability to enter our cells easily without being broken down means they can be turned into energy more quickly, providing us with boosted energy and endurance when working out.

Regulating blood sugar levels

MCTs may be helpful for those with diabetes in managing weight loss, through reduced fat storage and increased fat burning, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, through a reduced intake of sugar.

Improving brain and memory function

MCTs, as part of a ketogenic diet, may play a role in improving brain and memory function. Because MCTs can be converted into ketones (produced from the breakdown of fat when carb intake is low), adding MCTs to a keto diet may help brain cells to survive better and reduce the risk of memory loss.