MCT Oil is a unique type of fat that is instantly processed by the body for energy. You may have also heard it referred to as rocket fuel and referenced when people, including us, rave about Bulletproof Coffee.
An MCT oil supplement is made from a type of fat that’s called Medium-Chain Triglycerides. This kind of fat is processed faster by the body and is less commonly found in foods. [1]
Where’s MCT Oil Found?
It’s typically found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It’s possible to buy either 100% pure MCT Oil or a supplement that contains both oils.
Our MCT oil is made from 100% coconut oil with no palm oil and our coconut oil is called Cocos nucifera oil, which is sourced in India. It’s also entirely vegetarian and vegan friendly.
MCT oil is broken down differently to long-chain fats, and they go straight to your liver, unlike other fats which go through your lymphatic system first. Once there, they are used as a source of energy or turned into ketones.
Our brains store ketones for energy rather than sugar or glucose. Ketones are produced by the liver when it breaks down a lot of fat. [2]
Who’s MCT Oil Best for?
We talk a little bit about some of the benefits of taking MCT oil lower down and who it may suit. However, anyone who wants to live and eat healthily can, in theory, benefit from taking MCT oil.
Athletes have long used the oil, and it’s increasingly popular as better quality MCT oil becomes available. It’s also used by bodybuilders for energy, especially when they are on very low carbohydrate diets.
The Benefits of Taking MCT Oil
MCT oil is easily broken down by our bodies, which means that it is quickly converted into energy. In that way, the oil acts rather like carbohydrates do.
People who use it tend to use it for the following reasons:
- Weight loss
- Giving extra energy for exercise
- Inflammation
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower blood sugar
One of the benefits of taking MCT oil is that the body’s calories are used immediately. This means the likelihood of your body storing these as fats is reduced. In this way, taking MCT oil as part of a ketogenic diet can be beneficial. However, it is still possible for it to be beneficial to those not on such a diet. [2]
One study found that MCT oils can increase the calories and fat burned by overweight men, while another study found that taking MCT oil can increase the hormones that reduce your appetite and make you feel full. [3] [4]
A small study found that MCT oil reduced the cholesterol in some women, so it’s possible that MCT oil may protect heart health by lowering our cholesterol. However, it’s essential to always focus our energies on eating a healthy and calorie-controlled diet. [5]
Is There a Downside?
If you take too much too quickly, MCT oil can give you an upset stomach and diarrhoea. You can avoid this by starting with a small amount and building up the amount to the recommended daily dosage. [6]
Why’s It Called Rocket Fuel?
We’ve talked about how some people refer to MCT oil as rocket fuel, and you may have seen it listed in some energy drinks. That’s because of MCT oil’s perceived energy-boosting properties.
It’s also thought of as a natural form of caffeine, and there are recipes online that you can find to add the oil into drinks and food. You can even use it in salad dressings and sauces, but you can’t use it for cooking because it has a low boiling point.
However, you can take it on its own if you prefer not to mix it with anything. The key is not to take too much. Ideally, as a dietary supplement to a healthy diet, you’d take one tablespoon (15ml) 1 to 3 times a day.
Your Journey to Good Health
We believe in providing our happy customers with the best high-quality supplements sourced from the best suppliers. Taking high quality and effective products alongside a healthy diet is part of your journey to good health.
Check out our entire product range and any offers, which we add to regularly. If you have any questions or queries related to our products, service, or health and wellness in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.
[1] US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874191/
[2] Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320251#overview
[3] Wiley Online Library
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2003.53
[4] US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192077/
[5] US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19437058/
[6] MCT Oil: Safety and Side Effects
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mct-oil-101#safety-and-side-effects