There are countless reasons why an MCT oil supplement is a brilliant idea. Not only does MCT oil help in boosting energy and endurance before a workout, but it will also keep you in ketosis. If you want to learn more about this incredible supplement, then keep on reading.
In the following sections, you will learn more about MCT oil and why it is beneficial. Along with a brief introduction to MCT oil, we have also included a full guide on choosing the best MCT oil to buy. We will also take a glance at some of the most important factors when shopping, including purity.
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a popular supplement among gym-goers, professional athletes, and people on the ketogenic diet. As the name hints, MCT oil or medium-chain triglyceride oil contains triglycerides, a type of fat. MCTs are easier on the digestive system than longer-chain fatty acids obtainable from various foods.
Most typically, MCT oil is derived from coconut oil. In total, there are four types of MCTs—C12 (lauric acid), C10 (capric acid), C8 (caprylic acid), and C6 (caproic acid), the most common being capric and caprylic acid.
Besides taking a quality MCT oil supplement, medium-chain triglycerides can also be obtained through different foods, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, butter, and whole milk. Even though these sources are high in MCTs, the composition of them is not the same. For instance, all four types of MCTs are found in coconut oil, while the same cannot be said for butter.
Generally, MCT oils contain either pure C8 (caprylic acid), pure C10 (capric acid), or a combination of these two. C6 or caproic acid is known for its distinctly unpleasant smell and taste, and because of this, it is not commonly used in supplementation.
Benefits of Organic MCT Oil
Taking MCT oil in supplement form can provide a wide array of benefits for the human body. Some of these benefits have been backed by science, and these include:
- Weight loss (by making you feel full, and increasing the production of ketones)
- Increase in energy levels (it is easily absorbed and can be used as a quick source of energy)
- Reduces lactate buildup in people who exercise (especially in professional athletes)
- Potentially manages autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy
- Improves brain function
- Fights bacterial and yeast growth (the fatty acids in MCT oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties)
- High–quality MCT oil may reduce heart disease factors (including hypertension, inflammation, body mass index, and high cholesterol)
- Potentially beneficial for people with diabetes
On the flip side, MCT oil supplements have a couple of drawbacks as well, including:
- Potential stimulation of hunger hormones (possibly beneficial for people who want to gain weight)
- High doses may cause fat buildup in the liver
For the most part, MCT oil is completely safe for adult use. However, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional before deciding to self-medicate with a new supplement. Not only that, but make sure to always follow the instructions provided by the supplement’s original manufacturer.
Factors to Take Into Consideration—Shopping for the Best Brands of MCT Oil
Hopefully, we’ve illustrated that MCT oil supplements can have a lot of benefits for both genders. Having said that, how does one select the right product? Worry not, because here are a few things to consider when shopping.
Purity
The most important factor we considered when selecting the best MCT oil brands for you is the purity of the formula. Besides the Bean Envy MCT Oil Powder with Collagen (that we mostly added for variety), we only considered supplements that used MCT oil as the primary or sole ingredient.
Not only that, but we also looked at MCT products whose main goal was providing 100% MCT oil without added ingredients. The dosing of these supplements is more straightforward, which is significant if you are trying to reap all of the potential benefits.
Pure, top–rated MCT oil products have been tested for mycotoxins and other harmful substances. Another factor we looked at was whether the companies used cold-pressed extraction methods and 100% organic coconut oils to make their products.
Form
There are two types of MCT products on the market: oils and powders. Although the most natural form of MCT is oil, powders are more convenient and almost just as popular. However, their main downside is that they typically contain a few added ingredients to stabilize the MCT oil into a powder.
To add variety to our MCT oil reviews, we included both the best oil and powder products we could find. This way, you can freely pick and choose what suits you the best.
How to Use MCT Oil?
Typically, MCTs are safe for both men and women to use regularly. Admittedly, there are a few things to keep in mind when using them continuously.
Dosage
As a rule, professionals suggest taking full 4–7 tablespoons or up to 100 ml of MCT oil daily. Even though the daily dose is not clearly defined for reaping the health benefits, most studies claim you should use no more than 5 tablespoons or 74 ml per day of even the best MCT oil on the market.
Nevertheless, we strongly recommend starting with smaller doses (up to 5 ml daily or one teaspoon) and increasing the intake gradually. If there are no adverse effects, the user can increase the amount of daily MCT oil slowly.
As a reminder, make sure to always check the label of the MCT oil supplement for the best way to take MCT oil. Apart from this, consult a healthcare professional for expert advice.
Timing
There are certain times at which you should take MCT oil to increase its benefits. For instance, take MCT oil between your meals to minimize hunger and ward off cravings. Since MCT oil helps keep you satiated, you are less likely to snack uncontrollably or overeat.
Adding MCT oil to your morning cup of coffee may improve focus and mental stamina. Or, try taking it before a workout for a quick source of stable energy.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that medium-chain triglyceride oil can be taken at any time during the day in controlled dosages.
