Medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs for short are a type of healthy saturated fatty acid that presents a slew of health advantages to the human body like weight loss and a boost in cognitive capabilities. And many of these MCT fats are usually found in coconut oils, palm kernel oils, and dairy products, which are the main sources of MCT oils.
Recently MCT Wellness has been gaining popularity as a dietary supplement for fitness and endurance athletes alike and is putting long-standing scientific claims of “all fats being harmful to health” to rest. In fact, 62-65% of MCT is extracted from coconut oil, which has been linked with many health benefits itself.
To show you why it’s time to include MCT oils in your diet program, have a go at the list of key benefits below:
1. Helps Reduce Weight In More Than One Way
MCT oils promote fullness by releasing two important hormones; peptide YY and leptin. As a matter of fact, it may even be more effective in making you full than coconut oil.
One such study reveals that taking two tablespoons of MCT oils makes you feel less hungry than those who take coconut oil. The same report indicates a lower rise in glucose and triglycerides, which also induces fullness.
This type of oil has been reported to decrease waist circumference and body weight. It is also linked to the reduction of obesity.
MCT oil contains 10% fewer calories than those long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are usually found in nuts, avocados, or olive oil. Of course, our bodies process MCTs differently, which may be helpful in burning calories.
MCTs can also be converted into ketones if you’re following a ketogenic diet. This is the kind of diet that burns fat for energy when the body is low on carb intake.
2. Improves Brain and Memory Function
MCT oil has also been reported by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation to not only improve one’s memory and brain function but also present positive results for Alzheimer’s patients.
A 2016 review, showed that in three studies, the brain’s consumption of ketones in Alzheimer’s patients was the same as in those who were healthy. However, when it comes to the brain’s consumption of glucose, Alzheimer’s patients were weaker than their healthy counterparts.
3. Protects Your Heart’s Health
According to a study published in the Journal of Neutraceuticals and Functional Foods in 2010, MCTs prevent a number of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, impaired fasting glucose levels, and hypertension.
MCTs also have a hand in reducing cardiovascular disease as well as the risk of mortality since they help lower obesity. This may be the case because MCTs are easy-to-digest, anti-inflammatory, and can be used as an easy source of energy as stated in the ketogenic diet.
4. Boosts Energy and Increases Endurance
A 2009 study determined that consuming MCT-rich foods increases the duration of high-intensity exercises in recreational athletes more than those who consumed longer-chained fats.
Another study in 2010, only with limited evidence, has shown that MCT oils improve exercise performance.
However, one animal study published in the Journal of Animal Feed and Sciences, reveals that pigs receiving MCTs showed improvements in performance, gut health, growth as well as digestion of nutrients such as fiber and protein.
5. Fights Yeast And Bacteria
MCTs have been documented to possess antifungal and antimicrobial effects.
Because much of MCTs come from coconut oil, a common yeast known as Candida albicans is reduced by 25%. This yeast is what causes thrush and an array of other skin diseases.
Coconut oil, according to a test tube study, can reduce the growth of a bacteria known as Clostridium difficile which is known for spreading disease. This is possibly due to the capric, caprylic, and lauric acid found in MCTs.
6. Help Manage Diabetes
Various research like this one has confirmed how MCTs can help those with diabetes.
Many people with type-2 diabetes are obese, which makes it harder for them to manage their diabetes. But MCTs fight this off by increasing fat burning and reducing fat storage.
Another study involved a group of 40 people who struggled with diabetes and had significant weight reductions in insulin resistance and waist circumference when taking MCTs as compared to those who took LCTs.
These are the amazing benefits of MCT Oil. Make sure to add this to your diet so you can take your health to the next level.