MCT oils are a type of saturated oils. The “MC” is an abbreviation for medium-chain. This is because saturated oils are classified according to the length of their chain into long-chain, medium-chain and short-chain fatty acids and the difference in the chain length will make the fat have different properties. The “T” is an abbreviation for triglyceride which is a type of fat the plays a key role in how your body uses and stores energy
The main sources used to extract MCT oils are palm oil and coconut oil. These natural sources are rich with MCT oils. For example, they make up around 65% if coconut oil. The MCT oils are subdivided into several categories according to the length of the chain. These categories are called C6 (Capron acid), C8 (Caprylic Acid), C10 (Capric Acid), C12 (Lauric acid ). Here, C6 represents the acid with the shortest chain, while C12 represents the acid with the longest one.
Although they have countless uses, here is a breakdown 6 of their health benefits:
#1. MCT oils are a great source of energy
Medium-chain fatty acids are unique in their ability to be easily absorbed by the body. While fatty acids that have a longer chain need to be broken down by bile salts and acids before the body can absorb them, MCT fatty acids can be easily taken up by the cells lining the intestine. They then move to the liver where they are metabolized and used as an energy source.
Each cell in our body has small organelles called the mitochondria. The mitochondria are considered the energy-producing factories of the cell. MCT can also positively influence the mitochondria’s function. This makes MCT oils a quick and reliable source of energy especially during working out or doing some strenuous physical activity.
#2. MCT oils can help you shed a few pounds
Many people still believe that eating saturated fat will make them gain more weight, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, If you want to lose some weight, then MCT oils are the perfect choice for you. They can boost the fat loss process much more than long-chain fatty acids and they are even healthier than olive oil! They also help you lose weight by increasing your body’s ability to produce heat, inducing satiety and reducing your appetite. This will make you feel fuller which will enable you to stick to your diet. One key benefit to using MCT oils while losing weight is their ability to spare the mass of your muscles so you won’t end up with loose or saggy skin.
According to KetoVale.com, MCT is one of the healthiest fats you can eat for weight loss. The secret behind their ability to make you lose weight and change the composition of your body is the fact that MCT oils go straight to your liver to be metabolized there. This makes them ready to be used by your body as an energy source and less likely to get stored as fat in the fat cells. So, try to add MCT oils to your diet and make sure you are eating them on a daily basis.
#3. They can improve your immune system
MCT oils can help protect your from developing a yeast infection. They are especially effective against a certain type of yeast called Candida. They can also help you if you have a gut infection that is caused by a type of bacteria called E. coli. MCT oils can also combat some types of viruses and parasites. C8 MCT oils have the added benefit of being able to protect your body from toxic substances, while C10 oils have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that might be able to relieve some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and improves the health of your gut.
#4. MCT oils are great oils to use in the kitchen
Although MCT oils don’t have a special taste, you can add them to your food to make its flavor more intense. Unlike many popular oils, MCT oils can be safely heated to some-what high temperatures and they won’t form harmful chemicals. This is because they are considered a type of saturated fatty acids which can resist high temperatures as they don’t oxidize quickly. On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids like olive oil and flaxseed oil don’t have this ability. And this is why they tend to lose all of the good fat and burn with excess heat.
#5. MCT oils are useful for your skin and hair
MCT oils are used in many beauty products. For example, when you apply Medium-chain fatty acids on your hair, they can easily get into your follicles and make them smoother. This will make your hair more healthy and shiny and help you detangle it more easily. And that is why many companies use them, alongside coconut products, to make conditioners. You can also obtain similar result when you apply MCT oils on your skin. MCT oils nourish your skin and this will help moisturize it and keep it looking healthy and glowing.
#6. MCT oils can make you smarter
By providing your body with a quick energy source, MCT oils can immensely improve your cognitive abilities. Specifically, they can enhance your memory and make you think more clearly. This is especially important for people who suffer from disorders that affect their memory such as Alzheimer patients, but MCT oils are undoubtedly helpful for healthy people as well.
Very nice! What is the difference of MCT oils and coconut oils? Anyway, this article is worth reading. Thank you for sharing!