MCT oil is a nutritional supplement made of medium-chain triglyceride, a fatty acid. It is taken to improve thinking ability, boost energy, and weight management. MCT molecules are smaller in size than other available fats, which makes them easy to digest. It is absorbed in the bloodstream and then converted into usable energy. MCTs come in four major types;
- Lauric acid
- Capric acid
- Caproic acid
- Caprylic acid
The best Mct oil for a balanced healthy diet contains caprylic or capric acid or both.
Composition of MCT oil:
There are several types of medium-chain fatty acids depending on the length of their aliphatic tail. Following is the explanation, which throws light on which type of acid is used and avoided in the making of the best Mct oil;
Caproic acid or hexanoic acid
Caproic acid easily gets converted because it is the shortest MCT with six carbons in its aliphatic chain. Caproic acid is usually extracted during best Mct oil making because it has an unpleasant smell and taste.
Lauric acid or dodecanoic acid
Since it is the largest MCT with twelve carbon in its aliphatic chain, Lauric acid is the slowest to metabolize; therefore, in manufacturing the best Mct oil, lauric acid has been removed. It also has some properties similar to long-chain triglyceride fats. But it still has antimicrobial qualities and other nutritional benefits.
Caprylic acid or octanoic acid
Caprylic acid is beneficial for ensuring good health because of its antimicrobial property. Caprylic acid, the second most effective MCT after caproic acid, has no unpleasant odor or taste. As a result, caprylic acid is frequently used as the primary MCT in making the best Mct oil.
Capric acid or decanoic acid
Capric acid metabolizes slightly slower than caprylic acid, and it still converts very quickly to ketones in the liver. Capric acid is the second most commonly used MCT in making the best Mct oil.
Potential health benefits of best Mct oil
Best Mct oil has several potential health benefits. Some of these are fully justified, while others have yet to be identified. Each potential health benefit is discussed below, along with the evidence that supports it:
Improved brain and memory function
The Alzheimer’s drug discovery organization has mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of MCTs in the brain and their potential health benefits for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to a 2016 review, the brain utilizes the ketone bodies in people with Alzheimer’s disease was almost the same as healthy people. Those with Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, have a lower rate of glucose uptake in the brain than healthy people.
The researchers also mention that ketosis has a slight benefit on cognitive ability in people with Alzheimer’s. More research is required before concluding that MCTs or MCT oil can improve brain and memory function. Nonetheless, preliminary research is encouraging, and interest in the use of MCTs is growing.
Endurance and energy booster
Researchers claim that the best Mct oil has the power to increase a person’s energy and endurance while working out.
According to a 2009 study, it is reported that eating high food in MCTs increases the time to perform recreational activities. As a result, recreational athletes could easily tolerate high-intensity exercise. But according to a study done in 2010, it is further reported that more research is required to confirm.
Weight loss
A claim made by MCT oil supporters is that it aids in weight loss. Scientists have spent most of their time concluding the fact.
According to a study done in 2003, researchers concluded that MCTs could help prevent obesity and managing weight loss. According to a 2014 study, researchers claim that MCTs cause an increase in hormones that suppress appetite and make the individual feel full. It is reported that researchers have looked at the MCTs as a category of dietary fat instead of dietary carbohydrate.
Lowering the cholesterol level
Best Mct oil may also play a role in protecting cardiac problems by maintaining cholesterol levels. According to a 2009 study, reporters suggested that consuming coconut oil helps the individual reduce cholesterol because MCT oil contains a high concentration of MCTs, which is also present in coconut oil.
Lowering the sugar level
MCTs may also aid in balancing the blood sugar level and play a significant role in the management of diabetes. According to a study in 2007, it is proved that MCT optimized diabetic risk factors, particularly insulin resistance.
What you need to know while choosing the best Mct oil
Follow the rules given below to get the best Mct oil for your healthy diet plan.
Select oil containing Caprylic or Capric acid or a combination of them
Caprylic and capric acid are the two MCTs that absorb and digest quickly. Lauric acid, which is found in coconut oil, has the same properties as a long-chain fatty acid. Caproic acid is not recommended in the best Mct oil formulation because it has an unpleasant taste and smell.
Avoid powder; use oil.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, avoid MCT powders with up to four grams of carbs per serving. Consumption of MCT oil helps in quickly boosting your daily carb intake.
Read the labels
You will have to limit your intake of flavoring, fillers, and other additives to stop eating extra carbs if you’re on a low-carb diet. Switch to another brand if the content list contains maltodextrin, starch, or other oils. Also, keep an eye out for oils that contain a lot of lauric acids. Lauric acid is cheaper and less effective as compared to caprylic and capric acid.
Select a trusted brand
Many manufacturers have jumped on board the MCT oil craze, which means that many fly-by-night businesses sell their wares online. Check customer reviews to ensure that they are satisfied with the quality and ensure that the company’s contact information, such as email address, contact number, and street address, is available on the website.
Why is MCT oil important on a Low-carb diet?
Best Mct oil contains healthy MCTs, a unique fatty acid that is directly absorbed into the duodenum without the help of bile. The human body is effective at converting MCTs into energy. 70% of MCTs you take are used on the spot rather than being stored as fat. Moreover, unlike other fatty acids, MCTs have antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics that can boost energy levels and the immune system. Apart from the fact that the oil is generally healthy, there are three reasons why you should incorporate MCT oil into your diet.
Satiation
According to research, the best Mct oil outperforms coconut oil to curb hunger and increase satiation. Reduced hunger is essential on a low-carb diet, especially when you’re a beginner.
Oxidation of fat
Numerous studies have reported that unique MCTs present in the best Mct oil increase fat and thermogenesis oxidation. Similarly, the individual consuming MCT oil has a fast fat burning and better metabolism.
Reduction of carbonates
The best Mct oil aids low-carb dieters in avoiding fattening carbs by acting more efficiently as body fuel – energy. MCTs are also a prerequisite for another type of energy – ketone. Anyone following a ketogenic diet understands how important it is to keep your body on ketone to lose weight.
The best Mct oil to buy
Following are some popular brands on Amazon that provide the best Mct oil.
- Onnit MCT oil, 24 ounces for $24.95
- Sports research MCT oil, 32 ounces for $27.95
- Now sports MCT oil, 32 ounces for $17.70
- Protocol for life pure MCT oil, $25 of 32 ounces
- bulletproof brain octane oil, $44.95 of 32 ounces
Drawbacks of using MCT oil
Using too much MCT oil can have some nasty side effects. Since it contains too many calories, consuming it when you’re not in ketosis would result in weight gain rather than weight loss. Furthermore, since MCTs are consumed differently than other fats, going directly from the gut to the liver, eating a large amount at once will disturb the stomach. According to the creator and director of the keto website – Craig Clarke, some people face digestive problems after consuming MCT oil, so it’s best to begin with 1 to 2 teaspoons of MCT oil.
Conclusion
MCT oil is a nutritional supplement that has gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes. MCT oil is most widely obtained from coconut oil. Other foods that contain fats include palm oil and dairy products. The best MCT oil contains caprylic and capric acid or a combination of them.
MCT oil may help in weight loss by reducing hunger, increasing ketone production, and improving the gut’s environment. It can be used as an energy source and could boost fat burning and reduce the need for carbohydrates while working out.
The best Mct oil also helps in treating epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Consuming an extra amount of MCT oil could also result in gaining weight. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about the pros and cons of integrating MCT oil into your diet.
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