What does MCT oil do for you? Gut, body, and brain.

MCT oils as an energy source

MCT oil can be a good energy source because it is quickly absorbed by the body and converted into ketones, an efficient fuel source for the brain and body. Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs do not require bile salts for digestion. Instead, they can be rapidly transported to the liver and converted into ketones. 

This means MCT oil can provide a quick energy source without needing glucose. This can benefit people looking for an alternative energy source for sports and exercise and for people following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet.

MCT oil for gut health

There is some evidence that MCT oil may benefit gut health. MCTs are easily absorbed and digested, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and reduce constipation. In addition, MCTs have been found to have prebiotic properties, which can help promote healthy gut bacteria growth. 

Studies have shown that MCT oil can increase the abundance of certain types of gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These types of bacteria are known to play a role in maintaining overall gut health and boosting the immune system.

MCT oil has been studied for its potential to help inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and understand how MCT oil can best support gut health. 

It’s worth mentioning that MCT oil should not be used as a sole treatment for any gut-related condition. Still, it could be a complementary approach to other therapies, always under medical supervision.

While research is still in the early days, anecdotal evidence in forums and online groups indicates that MCT oil may help support gut health. Here at Gentle and Calm, I write about what we have tried myself, and in the case of MCT oil, I have had positive results. After almost a decade of seeking medical treatment to overcome chronic gut issues, brain fog, and other debilitating symptoms, MCT has become a daily staple in my toolkit to improve gut health and cognitive function. So, for me, it’s a big yes.

Does MCT oil fight yeast and bacterial growth?

MCT oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which means it may be effective against certain types of bacteria and yeast. In addition, research has shown that MCTs, particularly lauric acid, can inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida Albicans. It is thought that the medium-chain fatty acids in MCT oil disrupt the cell membrane of these microorganisms, leading to their death. 

However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of MCT oil’s antimicrobial properties and how it can effectively combat bacterial and yeast growth. It’s important to note that MCT oil should not be used as a sole treatment for bacterial or yeast infections. Still, it could be a complementary approach to other therapies, always under medical supervision.

MCT for weight loss

MCT oil may be helpful for weight loss because it is easily digested and quickly converted into ketones, an efficient fuel source for the body. Additionally, MCT oil can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake, leading to weight loss over time.

One of the ways MCT oil may help with weight loss is by increasing energy levels and promoting thermogenesis, a process in which the body burns calories to produce heat. MCT oil can also help with weight loss by promoting ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

MCT oil may also benefit gut hormones that regulate appetite and energy balance, such as ghrelin and leptin. Studies have shown that MCT oil can reduce ghrelin levels and increase leptin levels, which can help to control hunger and reduce overall calorie intake.

It’s important to note that weight loss is a complex process that depends on many factors, such as diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle. Adding MCT oil to your diet may aid weight loss. Still, it should not be considered a magic solution for weight loss. It should always be combined with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.

I’ve been adding MCT oil to my diet, at the time of writing, for the past few months. While combining MCT oil with a lectin-free diet, I experienced considerable weight loss. 

Reducing brain fog and healing gut pain and inflammation were my primary goals when starting to take MCT oil. However, I experienced significant weight loss when taking MCT oil in conjunction with a lectin-free diet.

Does MCT oil speed up ketosis?

If you have been looking into weight loss, you may have come across the term ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state characterized by the presence of ketones in the blood. It is a natural process when the body is low on carbohydrates and starts to burn fat for energy instead. MCT oil alone will not be able to induce ketosis. Still, it can be a helpful addition to a ketogenic diet.

MCT oil may help speed up ketosis because it is quickly absorbed by the body and converted into ketones, which are an efficient source of fuel for the body. MCTs, in general, and caprylic and capric acids specifically, are more efficiently converted to ketones than other types of fats, such as long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). This means that when MCT oil is consumed, it can provide a quick source of ketones, which can help to promote ketosis.

MCT oil may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

MCTs are less likely to be stored as body fat. As a result, they are metabolized differently than long-chain fatty acids, which can reduce insulin resistance and better regulation of blood sugar levels.

Studies have shown that MCT oil consumption can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, which is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. MCT oil consumption has been found to increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and improve glucose tolerance.

It’s worth noting that MCT oil should not be considered a substitute for any prescribed medication for diabetes or any other condition. If you have blood sugar or insulin concerns, you should always be consumed under medical supervision. Additionally, MCT oil should always be consumed in the context of a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

Does MCT oil reduce risk factors for heart disease? 

One study found that MCT oil can reduce the risk factors for heart disease. MCT oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides. It has been shown to lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.

MCT oil may have potential benefits for heart health, but more research is needed to understand its effects fully. However, some studies have suggested that MCT oil can help to reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

One study found that consuming MCT oil reduced total cholesterol and LDL (often called “bad” cholesterol) levels. Other studies have found that MCT oil can help to improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation, which is also a risk factor for heart disease.

It’s worth mentioning that MCT oil is saturated fat, and excessive consumption of saturated fats can contribute to heart disease. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation and as a balanced diet.

Does MCT oil increase mental clarity?

MCT oil may have potential benefits for mental clarity and cognitive function. MCTs are quickly absorbed and converted into ketones, which can provide a quick source of energy for the brain. This can help to improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Some studies have found that consuming MCT oil can improve cognitive function and memory in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have found that MCT oil can improve cognitive function in people following a ketogenic diet.

It is worth noting that more research is needed to understand the extent of MCT oil’s cognitive benefits fully, and more studies are needed to confirm the effects of MCT oil on cognitive function in healthy individuals. While MCT oil may help improve cognitive function, it’s important to remember that cognitive function is influenced by various other factors. For example, sleep, exercise, stress, and overall health are common factors affecting cognition.

Is MCT oil anti-inflammatory?

Some studies have shown that MCT oil may have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. In addition, the production of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as beneficial fatty acids, has also increased.

Research suggests that MCT oil may have anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, which can help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I can personally attest to this as I have experienced a reduction in gut inflammation since taking MCT oil.

Additionally, MCT oil may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain, which can be beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).

I have found that my gut inflammation has decreased since using MCT oil. Although my gut health is still a work in progress, I have noticed a considerable reduction in inflammation since adding MCT oil to my diet.  

How do you use MCT oil?

MCT oil can be used in various ways, depending on personal preference and intended use. Some common ways to use MCT oil include:

1. Cooking and baking: MCT oil has a high smoke point and can be used for cooking and baking. It can be used as a replacement for other oils and fats in recipes.
2. Adding to coffee or tea: MCT oil can be added to coffee or tea to boost energy and promote weight loss. It can also be used to make bulletproof coffee. This popular recipe combines coffee, MCT oil, and butter or ghee.
3. Taking as a supplement: MCT oil can be taken as a dietary supplement alone or as part of a ketogenic supplement stack. It can be taken in capsule form or added to smoothies or other foods.
4. Topical application: Some people use MCT oil topically as a moisturizer or as a carrier oil for essential oils.
5. Using it as a salad dressing: MCT oil can be used as a salad dressing when mixed with vinegar or lemon juice and seasonings.

I like to add a large splash of MCT oil to a bowl of warm millet and a splash of coconut aminos. I eat this daily, along with a handful of fresh coriander and mint. Sometimes I’ll add crumbles of goats cheese for extra flavour. 

MCT oil should be consumed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet that includes various fats and other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins.

Should I take MCT oil on an empty stomach?

There is no definitive answer as to whether MCT oil should be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Taking MCT oil on an empty stomach may lead to rapid absorption and a quicker increase in energy levels. However, some people may experience stomach upset or diarrhea when taking MCT oil on an empty stomach. 

Taking MCT oil with food may help to reduce the risk of stomach upset and diarrhea. It can also help to slow the absorption of MCT oil and provide a more sustained energy boost.

How fast does MCT oil work?

The effects of MCT oil can vary depending on the individual and the intended use. However, MCT oil is rapidly absorbed and converted into ketones, which can provide a quick energy source for the brain and body. Some people may experience increased energy levels and mental clarity soon after consuming MCT oil. In contrast, others may need to use it for a more extended period to see results.

If the purpose of taking MCT oil is to promote weight loss, it’s important to remember that weight loss is a complex process that depends on various factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and overall lifestyle. 

MCT oil can have a prebiotic effect, which can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria; this can take some time. 

In summary…

MCT oil has been found to have potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved energy levels, and improved cognitive function. In addition, it is said to improve gut health. Also, it may have anti-inflammatory properties; in my experience, this has been the case. 

While it has many potential health benefits, it’s essential to consume MCT oil in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet, including fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.