MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a popular supplement for those following a ketogenic diet. MCT oil is typically made from coconuts, but can also be derived from palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter.
MCTs are rapidly absorbed and sent directly to the liver, where they are used as an immediate energy source and boost ketone production. This is beneficial for those on a keto diet, as it helps them stay in ketosis—the metabolic state that burns ketones (fats) for energy instead of glucose.
MCT oil can be consumed in various ways, such as adding it to coffee or smoothies, using it in cooking, or taking it straight before a workout. However, it is recommended to start with a small amount (one teaspoon) and gradually increase the dosage to avoid potential side effects like stomach discomfort and digestive issues.
MCT oil is praised for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and improved cognitive function. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption may lead to negative consequences, especially for those with general stomach issues.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How to take it | Directly, or by adding to coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, protein shakes, salad dressings, sauces, soups, stews, bone broth, and baked goods |
How much to take | Start with a small amount (one teaspoon) and gradually increase it over time until you can tolerate a full one-tablespoon serving |
When to take it | 30-45 minutes before a workout session, or at least an hour before a meal |
How often to take it | 1-3 doses per day, with each dose being no more than one tablespoon |
What You'll Learn
MCT oil can be used in salad dressings
MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a flavourless and odourless oil that can be added to salad dressings to boost their nutritional value. MCT oil is typically made from coconuts, but can also be derived from palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter.
MCT oil has a number of health benefits, including increasing energy, boosting metabolism, promoting intestinal healing, and improving cognition. It is particularly popular among those following a ketogenic diet, as it can help enhance fat intake and increase energy.
When adding MCT oil to a salad dressing, it can be used as a substitute for other oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil. It has a high smoke point, so it can be used for low to medium-temperature cooking. However, it should not be heated above 150°C, as this may damage the beneficial fats in the oil.
- Green Goddess Dressing: This dressing uses soaked cashews, MCT oil, parsley, green onion, garlic, lemon juice, chlorella or green superfood powder, and salt. All the ingredients are blended until smooth, and water can be added to adjust the consistency. This dressing can also be used as a dip for vegetables.
- Spicy Ginger Dressing: This dressing combines MCT oil with fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, chia seeds, honey, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic. It can be blended in a blender for a smooth consistency or whisked by hand for a standard vinaigrette.
- Antioxidant Berry Dressing: This dressing is made with MCT oil, red wine vinegar, raw honey, garlic, blackberries, and acai berry powder. All the ingredients are blended until smooth, and additional honey can be added to taste.
- MCT Oil Citrus Vinaigrette: This dressing combines MCT oil with grapefruit juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. The ingredients are added to a glass mason jar and shaken well to combine.
When using MCT oil for the first time, it is recommended to start with a small amount (around one teaspoon) and gradually increase the dosage to avoid any potential digestive issues.
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It can be taken straight before a workout
MCT oil can be taken straight before a workout. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat with many benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and reduced carb cravings. MCT oil is typically made from coconuts, but it can also be derived from palm kernel oil, whole milk, and butter.
MCT oil is beneficial to take before a workout because it provides immediate energy. The small MCT molecules travel quickly to your cells, making it an excellent supplement to power you through your workouts. It can be taken 15-20 minutes before your workout session, or 30-45 minutes beforehand. It is recommended to start with a low dosage of one teaspoon and slowly increase to one tablespoon based on your tolerance.
MCT oil is tasteless and odourless, making it easy to take as a supplement. However, it has an oily texture similar to other cooking oils. It is important to note that MCT oil has a lower smoke point, so it should only be used for low to medium-temperature cooking.
Taking MCT oil before a workout can help enhance your exercise performance and provide an energy boost. It is a convenient way to increase your fat intake and improve your endurance, whether you are cycling, running, or lifting weights.
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It can be added to smoothies or lattes
MCT oil is flavourless and odourless, making it a great addition to smoothies or lattes. It's also a good way to get a quick energy boost before a workout.
If you're new to MCT oil, start with a teaspoon and gradually increase your intake to a maximum of one tablespoon. You can also add MCT oil to your morning coffee, but be aware that this will increase your saturated fat intake.
Smoothies
- Add MCT oil to a smoothie with low-carb ingredients.
- Try a smoothie recipe that includes MCT oil from functional medicine doctor Mark Hyman.
Lattes
- Make a Bulletproof Coffee Egg Latte with five simple ingredients.
- Try a Sugar-Free Dandy Blend Latte with Dandy Blend herbal coffee.
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It can be used during intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a powerful tool for boosting fat loss on keto. However, it can be a struggle for those who try it for the first time. You can experience hunger and be low on energy.
The good news is that MCT oil helps you stay energised without getting kicked out of ketosis since you're consuming only fats. MCTs also get converted into ketones as fats are being broken down.
During a fast, limit yourself to 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil. This dosage should be enough to keep your energy up and maintain/reach ketosis.
MCT oil is tasteless and has no odour, which makes it tolerable when taken as a supplement. You can take it straight, or add it to your morning coffee or tea.
MCT oil can also be used in salad dressings, sauces, soups, stews, and smoothies. It can be used in baking, but only for low to mid-temperature cooking.
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It can be used to make bulletproof coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter) that offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and cognitive function support. It is a delicious and satisfying drink that can replace all other coffee drinks. The MCT oil in bulletproof coffee provides a quick and accessible source of energy and has been shown to increase feelings of fullness, support weight management, and enhance cognitive function.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brewed Bulletproof coffee (8-12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon of Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Grass-Fed Ghee or butter
- Optional: Keto milk, collagen, keto coffee syrup, sweetener, ice, etc.
Instructions:
- Brew 1 cup of coffee using Bulletproof coffee beans.
- Add the coffee, Brain Octane C8 MCT oil, and ghee to a blender.
- Blend for 20-30 seconds until it looks like a creamy latte.
- If you don't have a blender, you can add all the ingredients to a large mug and use a milk frother until the concoction is mixed and creamy.
- If you are making iced bulletproof coffee, use ghee instead of butter, prepare as usual, allow it to cool slightly, and then pour it over ice.
Note: If you are new to MCT oil, start with a smaller amount (1 teaspoon) and gradually increase it over several days until you reach the full serving size. You can also adjust the amount of butter or ghee to find what works best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
The best amount per individual is not known. The research has not agreed on how much MCT oil is best for fat loss. The amount of MCT oil per day used in the research for fat loss varies widely from half a teaspoon all the way up to 3 tablespoons per day.
The best time to take MCT oil is 30-45 minutes before your workout session. It can also be taken in the morning and early afternoon, at least an hour before your first meal.
MCT oil can cause side effects when taken in large doses and on an empty stomach. These side effects include diarrhoea, stomach cramping, intestinal gas, and nausea.