MCT oil and its energetic properties

Coconut oil or MCT oil has been one of the most popular foods as a source of fat and energy in recent years, both for its nutritional properties and for its diverse applications in the keto diet.

MCT is the abbreviation for medium chain tryglycerides or medium chain triglycerides.

The oil MCT is a source of saturated fatty acids that due to their chemical structure are metabolized differently from other types of fatty acids, such as those found in most foods. Commonly, in foods that contain fat, this is usually metabolized so that they are used within the body as an energy source or stored as fat.

On the other hand, MCT oil , having shorter chains, is metabolized differently. They break down quickly and are absorbed into the body quickly for energy. They are not stored like other types of triglycerides or fats.

It is a type of fat that is relatively easy to digest. It is an alternative well tolerated and assimilated by people who have problems related to the digestive system or pathologies related to the difficulty to absorb nutrients.

There are 4 types of MCT: caprioc, caprylic, capric and lauric acids. These last two are the ones that the body can transform into energy with the greatest speed.

Mainly, coconut oil is usually used as a source of MCT. We can find it in its natural format, Liquid or solid depending on the temperature state or sometimes powder, although it usually comes mixed with other types of ingredients and is of lower purity. T Palm oil also contains MCT.

The benefits of MCT oil

They contribute to reduce the percentage of fat and reduce body weight:

Thanks to the thermal effect of food, MCT oil can increase caloric expenditure that in combination with a caloric deficit allows weight loss.

Regulation of hunger and satiety:

MCTs, despite their volume and caloric density, provide a large amount of satiety to people who include them in their diet. This occurs because they partially reduce the hormone responsible for producing the sensation of hunger, called ghrelin.

Excellent source of energy

This type of fatty acid, by the process in which it is digested and absorbed, p directly affects the liver where it contributes and increases the production of ketones that are responsible for providing energy when the availability of carbohydrates are in short supply.

It has been shown that it can even allow maintenance in a state of ketosis by including small carbohydrate loads in keto-adapted people. We will talk more about its uses in ketosis in a future section.

Also, as it crosses different brain barriers, it increases cognitive function and improves physical performance.

Culinary properties

It is an oil that does not oxidize easily when it is used for cooking. It is able to withstand high temperatures without altering its flavor, state and properties.

In addition, its smell and flavor are neutral, which differentiates it from other types of oils that these have. characteristics with greater intensity. It is ideal to add in recipes such as desserts or any dish without altering its flavor.

Encourages and favors the entry into the state of ketosis

Since it is used directly as an energy source, it is converted into ketones, an alternative energy source for the body, which in most people uses glucose for fuel. As a consequence, it improves insulin sensitivity.

Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Helps prevent diseases related to cardiovascular system. Helps reduce cholesterol, stimulates the thyroid and also helps eliminate bacteria from the body that can cause diseases.

How to take MCT oil?

You can start by adding a tablespoon of MCT oil in the morning in your coffee. It is the most common way used by all those people who are in ketosis or who wish to enter it.

You can use it for cooking, add it to your dishes or meals, substituting your usual fat source.

It is recommended to begin to include it in the diet little by little, since in large quantities, it can cause stomach upset until the body gets used to it. Manage gradually.