Mct Oil And Weight Loss: Does Keto Matter?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat that can be extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil. MCT oil is a supplement made from MCTs and is popular among athletes and bodybuilders. It is often used in conjunction with a ketogenic (keto) diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While MCT oil is often associated with keto diets, it may also have weight loss benefits for those who are not following a keto diet.

MCT oil may help lower calorie intake

Some studies suggest that MCT oil could promote the release of two hormones that help people feel full when eating: peptide YY and leptin. One study found that people who took 2 tablespoons of MCT oil as part of their breakfast ended up eating less food for lunch compared to those taking coconut oil.

However, when the results of 29 studies were analyzed, researchers found no link between MCT and appetite-related hormones. It is not clear whether MCT oil can help people feel fuller or reduce their appetite, and more studies are needed to understand the relationship between MCT and calorie reduction.

MCT oil may affect body composition and weight

MCTs are converted into ketones, which provide a fat-based source of energy when carbohydrate intake is low. MCT oil may support weight loss and fat loss, but high-quality research is needed to determine its efficacy.

MCT oil may also help reduce appetite and calorie consumption, which could be a useful tool for weight loss. In one study, men who were overweight consumed 20 grams of either MCT oil or corn oil before eating lunch. The men in the MCT oil group ate nearly 300 fewer calories at lunch than the corn oil group. Additionally, the MCT oil group had higher levels of leptin and peptide YY, which are hormones that regulate appetite.

MCT oil may also increase thermogenesis, which is the metabolic process in which the body burns calories to generate heat. This could lead to an increased calorie burn, even if it is to a small degree.

It is important to note that MCT oil is not a magic bullet for weight loss. Total calorie intake is still the most important factor in weight loss. MCT oil should be combined with other weight loss strategies such as following a low-carb dietary plan, exercising more, or attempting a healthy intermittent fasting schedule.

MCT oil may be a good energy source

MCT oil is a supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat. MCTs are metabolised differently from the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most other foods. MCTs are digested more quickly and are a fast-acting energy source for the body.

MCTs are rapidly broken down and absorbed into the body. They go straight to the liver, where they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones. Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat. They can also cross from the blood to the brain, providing an alternative energy source for the brain, which usually uses glucose for fuel.

MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy or converted into ketones. The body absorbs MCTs more quickly than LCTs because of their shorter chain length. They travel more quickly from the gut to the liver and do not require bile to break down.

MCT oil is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders, who use it to boost energy or support weight loss efforts. It is also used by those following a ketogenic diet, as it can help the body reach the fat-burning state known as ketosis.

MCT oil can be added to many foods and drinks. It has a low burning point, so it is not suitable for frying. The recommended maximum daily intake is around four to seven tablespoons.

MCT oil may help manage epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and autism

Epilepsy

MCT oil may help manage epilepsy. Fasting increases ketone production, which may reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. MCTs can be converted into ketones, which may be beneficial in managing epilepsy. While there are few human studies on MCTs and epilepsy, in-vitro and animal studies suggest promising results. For example, one small study found that adults with epilepsy who did not respond well to medication had 42% fewer seizures when supplementing with MCT oil for 3 months. Another study found that a 43-year-old man with a history of nonsurgical partial epilepsy who added MCT oil to his regular diet experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease impairs the brain's ability to use sugar. A ketogenic diet offers an alternative energy source in the form of ketones, which can be used as fuel by the brain. MCT oil is a nutritional source of ketones and may help improve cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease. For example, one study found that taking MCTs for 30 days improved cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease with a certain gene type. Another study suggested that consistent MCT oil intake may stabilize cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease, especially in the mild to moderate stages of the disease.

Autism

There is limited evidence that MCT oil may help children manage autistic characteristics. A handful of small studies have suggested that ketogenic diets with or without MCTs may lower autistic behaviours. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and therapeutic benefits of this type of diet for autistic children. It is important to note that placing a child on a restrictive diet carries risks, including malnutrition and delayed growth.

MCT oil may help manage blood sugar levels

MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a supplement that has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders. It is derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil and contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are digested faster than longer-chain fatty acids found in many other foods. This allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and turned into energy.

Some older studies suggest that MCT oil may have benefits for those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. One small study from 2007 followed 40 people with diabetes. The study found that those who consumed MCT oil daily saw reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance, compared to those taking corn oil containing LCTs.

However, newer studies on MCTs and blood sugar have shown mixed results. While some studies show that eating a meal containing coconut oil may promote a small improvement in after-meal blood sugar control, long-term use of coconut oil has been shown to increase insulin resistance, which means the body cannot control blood sugar as well.

A randomized controlled trial followed people with metabolic syndrome after 4 weeks of daily coconut oil consumption. The participants had significantly lower fasting blood sugar and triglycerides, and higher “good” HDL cholesterol. However, they also had higher “bad” LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

While MCTs may be beneficial for blood sugar under some circumstances, more evidence is needed to draw strong conclusions. It is important to note that MCT oil may also increase blood lipids associated with heart disease and stimulate the release of hunger hormones in some people. Therefore, it is recommended to consume MCT oil in moderation and consult a doctor or dietitian before adding it to your diet.

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