MCT oil has recently taken off in the keto world of dieting. It's a supplement that not many know about before stumbling upon keto groups and forums.. So why is it that MCT oil is so pertinent in the keto community? What makes it so special? Here's what I've come to conclude..

(Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a scientist, this is based on my own research, personal experience and background after working for a well-known supplement company!)

1. Burning More Fat

While MCT oil itself doesn't directly increase fat burning, it does increase the level of ketones in the blood. This puts us in a deeper state of ketosis(higher blood ketone levels), thus, our body is better-primed to burn fat as fuel rather than carbohydrates.

MCT oil also has a high thermodynamic effect when digested on it's own or with other foods(Thermodynamic Effect is essentially the amount of calories it takes to break down the foods we eat, it is different depending on the level of protein, carbs and fat in each meal). Basically with MCT oil, more calories will be used as fuel, rather than being stored as fat compared to a meal without MCT oil.

2. Quick Energy

MCT Oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (typically c8 and c10). These fats are digested immediately as they are shorter and can bypass the digestion process that long-chain fatty acids would have to go through. Thus, they are immediately available for use after being released into the blood stream and are less likely to be stored in fat cells.

3. Improves Digestion

This one is definitely a point I wanted to discuss based on personal experience..because MCT oil is so fast digesting, it can lead to some un-wanted side effects like Diarrhea if taken in excess! (This is why most bottles will advise you to start with a small dose and increase the amount over the course of a few weeks, LISTEN). But if you can find the sweet spot (for me it's 1 tsp a day in my coffee). MCT oil is great for regulating chronic constipation and allowing for regular bowel movements. Give it a try!

4. Appetite Supressant

This would be an interesting topic to research further and I hope there are more studies done in the future but through my experience talking with others on the keto diet and being in many different keto groups and forums, the overall consensus is that MCT oil acts as a wonderful appetite suppressant during times of fasting (you may have heard of it among the intermittent fasting dieters as well). The idea is, as it is a fast-digesting fat it will ultimately raise your blood ketone levels to a degree whether you are in ketosis or not (people who are fasting will be producing some level of ketones naturally depending on how long they fast for), thus putting you in a further state of ketosis and/or lowering insulin levels which in-turn should help decrease hunger for a period of time.

5. Getting Into/Back Into Ketosis Faster

Had a slip up? Ate some carbs you shouldn't have? Or just looking to get into ketosis for the first time? MCT oil is your friend..because of the fast-digesting fats MCT oil contains,  as discussed previously, ketones will be readily available and produced more quickly after ingestion. These ketones will aid in putting you into a state of ketosis by increasing your overall blood ketone level. This is not to say that you can just take MCT oil and expect to be in ketosis after eating a carb-heavy meal! (If that were true, I'd be eating pizza everyday, haha). But with a proper high-fat, low-carb diet or fasting and exercise the day after a large carb-based meal, MCT oil will help a great deal in quickening your transition/return back into ketosis!

Overall, MCT oil is a pretty beneficial supplement to add to your diet. Even if you just use it as a nice addition to your daily coffee (Hello!).

If you are interested in purchasing a bottle, I have linked my favourites below(just click the image)! I hope this article helped give you a better idea of what MCT is and does! Leave me a comment if you'd like me to discuss any other specific supplements! Thanks 🙂

~Sam~