MCT Oil Vs Coconut Oil

Coconut and MCT Oil are popular staple items in low-carb meals and snacks. While both are considered to be a healthy source of fat, their health benefits vary and they have different uses. Which should you be using, and how?

- Ashleigh Roman

MCT OIL

Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a concentrated version of coconut oil, consisting of medium-length chains of fatty acid known as triglycerides. These can travel to the liver much faster, instantly converting the fat into energy or ketones. Because MCT oil is an element of coconut oil, it goes through a refining process to separate MCTs from all the other naturally occurring components of coconut oil. MCT oil contains 100% medium-chain triglycerides (coconut oil is made up of about 45%–65% MCTs) and occurs naturally in other foods such as milk, cheese and palm kernel oil. Because it packs a punch in the MCT department, it’s recommended in smaller doses and is often used as an alternative to coconut oil in bulletproof coffee and smoothies.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MCT OIL

• Weight loss and faster metabolism

Research shows that eating MCT oil increases the release of peptide YY and leptin, the hormones responsible for feeling full. Studies also indicate that people who include up to two tablespoons of MCT oil in their breakfast meal will eat a smaller portion of lunch. MCTs also help burn calories and fat and promote a healthy gut environment for optimal weight-loss results.

• Source of energy