Fitness is of paramount importance in life and is seriously pursued by many but with time “Health is Wealth’’ has essentially lost its meaning in this fast-paced progressive generation. Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle is really a challenge for many leading to a vast number of people falling in the obesity range.
Surgical methods, starvation, and weight loss pills are being used by most people for quick and easy weight loss which can biologically prove to be fatal to your body and affect your body in innumerable ways. In this article, I will discuss some of the best MCT oils for weight loss that have no side-effects on the body and can easily help in losing weight naturally.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT (Medium-chain triglyceride) is a type of fat that is extracted from coconut oil. It forms about 50% of the total fat in coconut oils. Triglycerides essentially consist of fatty acids and MCTs are short chains of fatty acids that are either stored in the body as fat or are burned down to provide energy to the body.
Since MCTs have short chains of fatty acids, they can be easily broken down unlike other long chains of fatty acids such as LCTs (Long-chain triglycerides).
Thus consumption of MCTs is far healthier than LCTs as they can be digested easily by the body and used as energy compared to LCTs.
But excess consumption can lead to the storage of MCTs as fats.
Source of MCT Oil
The natural sources of MCT oil are coconut oil and palm kernel oil, even though these oils also contain LCTs. Synthetic MCT is produced from medium-chain fatty acids post hydrolyzation from coconut or palm kernel oil are purified. After purification, these are then re-esterified into a glycerol backbone, physical mixtures (mixture of MCTs and LCTs), or structured lipids.
The structured lipids as mentioned are basically synthetic lipid molecules containing medium-chain and/or long-chain fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone.
Does MCT Oil Help in Weight Loss?
As mentioned earlier, MCT oil has short fatty acid chains that can be broken down and absorbed easily by the body, hence it can potentially help in weight loss.
The properties of MCT oil have shown to aid in weight loss. It has low energy density and provide 10% fewer calories as compared to LCT oil and also help in reducing appetite and reaching the feeling of fullness.
Several MCT studies have shown that MCT oil may increase the body’s ability to burn calories at a faster pace and redeem it as energy before being stored as fats.
Again, excessive consumption can lead to fat storage. MCT oil relatively increase energy levels during high-intensity exercise and serve as an alternative energy source, sparing glycogen stores. Several studies have come to the conclusion that this may boost endurance and offer benefits for athletes on low-carb diets.
Best MCT Oils for Weight Loss
There are plenty of MCT oils available in the market that can overwhelm you. Don’t worry, below are a few purely organic MCT oils that can help you in weight loss –
1) Nature’s Way 100% Potency MCT Oil
Nature’s Way MCT Oil is highly rich in MCTs and is extracted from premium coconuts containing 4 grams of Medium Chain Triglycerides per serving. The oil is not only rich in MCTs but is flavorless and odorless too!
The oil can be taken as it is, with coffee, smoothies, drinks, shakes or any other recipe of your choice. This MCT oil does not require refrigeration and is free from hexane, palm oil, and other filler oils. This oil constitutes caprylic and capric acids.
Top Features
- Flavourless and odourless
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Gluten free
- Hexane free
- Completely free from palm oil or other filler oils
- Non-GMO (Genetically modified organism)
2) Clean MCT Oil: 100% Pure C8 Caprylic Acid Triglycerides
A premium quality oil that instantly converts ketones to provide stable energy. 100% Pure C8 provides instant energy supporting ketosis and helps in better brain function making it a super fuel for the brain.
It enhances and supports healthy gastrointestinal function, regulates metabolism, and the mucosal immune system. It contains no added carrier oils such as palm oil.
Top Features
- Premium quality oil which supports ketosis
- Contains pure 100% C8 Caprylic acid
- BPA-free bottle
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Lactose free
- Provides Instant energy
- Strengthens brain function
3) Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil from Coconut Oil
Brain Octane MCT oil is purely extracted from coconut oil which regulates the mental function and provides rapid physical energy. It supports cognitive function and keeps you away from hunger pangs and constant food cravings.
The C8 MCT oil is extracted from the best part of the coconut, keeping food cravings at bay, and can be used daily. One of the best advantage this MCT oil is that it is rapidly absorbed by the body and establishes the usage of quality fats for energy, keeping one focused for hours.
Brain Octane MCT oil does not contain palm oil or any other carrier oils. It provides four times more ketone energy than coconut oil, and promotes easy and healthy digestion.
Top Features
- Triple distilled MCT oil
- Improves digestion
- Enhances brain function and increases attention span
- Keto friendly
- Paleo friendly
- Provides 4x more ketone energy
4) Organic MCT Oil C8/C10 Blend from 100% Coconuts
Organic MCT Oil C8/C10 oil is 100% organic and contains 100% coconut MCT. This oil is triple filtered to ensure the pure extraction of MCTs from coconuts and metabolizes energy rapidly in the body for quick energy before being stored as fats.
It is the healthiest form of MCT oil and is pure, odorless, and tasteless. It is free from fillers and is extracted from sustainable coconuts.
This oil is surely a must-have if you follow Keto, Paleo, Vegan, or real food lifestyles.
TIP: If new to consuming MCT then start off with ¼ to ½ tsp max at a time. You can gradually increase the dose if needed.
Organic MCT oil can also be mixed and taken with smoothies, drinks, shakes, and plenty of other ingredients such as grass-fed butter, cocoa, ghee. This can help in easing the digestive strain.
Top Features
- Extracted from pesticide-free coconuts
- Odourless and tasteless
- No added fillers and additives
- Helps in easing digestive strain
- Pesticide free
5) Keto MCT Oil 64 oz by Horbaach
Keto MCT oil is a vegetarian oil that is unflavored and safe for consumption. This oil is gluten-free and is free from yeast, milk, soy, lactose, wheat, or any artificial colors.
It provides instant all-day energy and can be taken as a supplement. It can be used in sauces, salad dressings or cooking. It can also be externally applied on the face and skin for a glowing skin.
Top Features
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)
- Unflavored
- Free from artificial additives
- Can be applied externally for healthier skin and hair
6) Nutiva Organic MCT Oil, Keto & Paleo Friendly
Nutiva Organic MCT oil is a Keto and Paleo-friendly oil with the highest potency available. It consists of 93% MCTs and has rich amounts of Caprylic and Capric acids. These MCTs help in burning the stored fats in the body and using them as energy.
It not only helps in metabolism but also enriches the mental and cognitive functions of the body for low carb diets. It blends perfectly with any food like salad dressing, coffee, protein shakes, etc.
Nutiva sources this oil from the world’s finest organic coconut and strictly adheres to USDA organic and non-GMO guidelines.
Top Features
- Unflavoured oil containing 93% MCTs
- Odourless and tasteless
- Keto and Paleo friendly
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Rich in Caprylic and capric acids
- Boots metabolism, cognitive function and brain activity
7) Kiss My Keto C8 MCT Oil — Pure C8 Caprylic Acid
Kiss My Keto C8 MCT Oil is a natural source of energy on low carb diets and increases the production of ketones in the body by three times.
The pure C8 extracts are the most effective way of increasing ketone concentration in the body and can be easily digested. It is odorless, tasteless, and remains so throughout its shelf life.
It is pure clean oil which can be blended with drinks such as coffee, ghee, smoothies, butter, or can be used in salad dressings.
The oil blends easily with drinks without floating or separating. The high-grade quality oil acts as a brain fuel and boosts the immune system.
Top Features
- 100% pure caprylic acid
- Fuels brain and body
- Odourless and tasteless
- Unflavoured oil packed in a recyclable bottle
- Contains C8 extracts which increases ketone concentration by 3x
MCT Oil Vs Coconut Oil
While MCT oils are extracted from coconuts and are essentially the same as coconut oils, there are some differences between both the oils in terms of proportion and structure.
MCT Oils
- MCT oils are a concentrated source of MCTs as they contain 100% MCTs
- MCT oils contain 50–80% caprylic acid and 20–50% caproic acid
Coconut Oils
- Coconut oils are extracted from the copra, kernel, or meat of the coconut making it the richest natural source of MCT oils (contains about 54% of fat in copra).
- Coconut oil naturally contains MCTs, namely 42% lauric acid, 7% caprylic acid, and 5% capric acid.
- In addition to the MCTs, coconut oil also consists of LCTs and unsaturated fats.
- Lauric acid present in coconut oil acts similar to LCTs in terms of slow absorption and digestion
To conclude, experts believe that MCT oil is far more healtheir and preferable than Coconut Oil considering the high lauric acid content and unsaturated fats in coconut oils.
Other Health Benefits of MCT Oil
Reduced Lactate buildup in Athletes
Constant and regular workout and exercise can increase the levels of lactate in the body which can negatively impact the body. This acid build-up results in an imbalance in the body’s pH level, which should always be slightly alkaline instead of acidic.
This causes muscle fatigue and at high levels it can interfere with muscle recovery. The accumulation of lactic acid can cause burning sensations that can disturb athletic activities. MCT oils can help reduce the lactate build up making it easier to exercise.
Reduces the Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases
MCT oils have shown to reduce weight which in turn may help in reducing the risk of heart disease. MCT oils can induce the production of HDL or “good cholesterol” and have positive effects on other cardiovascular risk factors too.
Brain Function
MCTs mass produce ketones which act as a source of energy for the brain resulting in improved brain function in people. The implementation of MCTs has brought about wide speculations and researchers have taken interest in using MCTs to help treat or prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
One of the most recent studies have found that MCT oil not only improved learning in people suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease but has also enhanced memory, and brain function. However, this effect was only seen in patients who didn’t carry the APOE4 gene variant.
Recommended Read: You can also try Intermittent fasting for weight loss
Conclusion
MCT oils have been popularly used worldwide and have many potential benefits including the weight loss. It can be introduced in the diet but it is important to consult a health professional before using the mentioned products as every individual reacts differently to different products and it is always advised to seek a professional consult to rule out any underlying allergies or side effects.
It is imperative to know that many of the research findings on MCT oils are preliminary which means that larger and robust studies are needed before any conclusions can be made with regard to the effectiveness of the oil.
FAQs
Q1) Does the consumption of MCT oil result in any side effects?
Ans) There are no known side effects of MCT oil. Many people have been regularly consuming MCT oils and it has now become a part of their diet. A few may have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort depending on one’s tolerance to the oil, hence starting off with a lower dosage is recommended. MCT oil otherwise, is totally safe to consume.
Q2) How long does it take before MCTs start reacting in my body and show the benefits?
Ans) MCTs are rapidly absorbed by the body and are a quick source of energy. They show up the benefits immediately after consumption. A boost in energy and mental clarity is rapidly noticed though an increase in metabolism may vary in different people.
Q3) What are the benefits of MCT oil in children?
Ans) The benefits of MCT oil in children are not clearly proven as yet but certain studies show that MCT oils are at an advantage since they restrict the absorption of LCTs in the body without affecting the protein intake required for growth providing sufficient calories to children.
Sources of Information
https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/45/242/445.full.pdf