MCT oil: 3 properties and drawbacks
Two years ago, we were at the library studying for an exam. Of course, we'd started a little too late, so we really needed this day. That's why we were already there at 8 a.m., starting with a lovely cup of coffee, then another, and another. After a while, it was time to bring out the big guns, and we added Red Bull. That wasn't our smartest move. After consuming so much caffeine, we were shivering all over and couldn't concentrate on anything. All we could do was pace back and forth through the library. As we paced, we wondered if there might be a better alternative. That's how we came across MCT oil. What is MCT oil, what is it known for, what are the downsides, and can you combine it with your cup of coffee? You'll find out here.
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride. Triglyceride is another word for a fat molecule, which consists of a glycerol “backbone” with 3 separate fatty acids attached to it. Medium chain means that the fatty acids have a medium-length chain (6 to 12 carbon atoms), unlike “normal” fats, which have long chains (13 to 22 carbon atoms). MCT oil is mainly derived from palm oil and coconut oil. Coconut oil contains about 65% MCTs. MCT oil is a saturated fat. Your body processes these medium-chain fats differently from long-chain fats. The rest of this blog is about that.
Now, let's take a look at the three properties MCT oil is best known for.
MCT oil: 3 properties
1. MCT oil is absorbed quickly
Because MCTs are small molecules, they can be absorbed directly from the intestinal wall into our bloodstream, just like glucose, and transported from there straight to the mitochondria , where they are quickly converted into energy. This makes them easy for our bodies to digest. MCTs also don't need to be broken down by bile and the pancreas first, unlike long-chain fats.
2. MCT oil and satiety
Research is also being conducted into MCT oil and feelings of satiety. Two hormones play a role in this: leptin and peptide YY. In some studies, participants reported feeling satiated after taking MCT oil and ate less. Several studies have also examined MCT oil and body weight, but the results vary. And don't forget: MCT oil is still fat, so it still contains calories.
3. MCT oil and ketones
Our brains mainly use glucose as fuel for energy, but they can also use ketones . Ketones are produced by the liver from fats as an energy source. The fats in MCT oil can easily be converted into ketones by the liver. That's why MCT oil is popular with people who follow a ketogenic diet or add it to their coffee in the morning. Whether you notice any effect yourself varies from person to person, and research into this is still limited.
MCT oil disadvantages
Wat zijn de nadelen van MCT olie? Te veel MCT vetten binnen krijgen kan verschillende nadelen met zich meebrengen. Denk hierbij aan een opgeblazen gevoel of onrustige darmen. Dat is de reden waarom er altijd wordt aangeraden om met een kleine dosis te beginnen en het langzaam op te bouwen tot de hoeveelheid die voor jou prettig is. Begin dus met 1 theelepel MCT vetten per dag en bouw het rustig op tot maximaal 8 theelepels om die klachten zo klein mogelijk te houden.
