No, it is not something that you put into your car. Even though at first it might sound like it. The full name doesn’t exactly clear things up either. MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride, and can be found in palm kernel oil and coconut oil. So let us explore the world of organic MCT oil a little bit.
MCT as a natural blood thinner
According to an independent study done on MCT oil, it has been found that it does indeed improve blood flow, and is thus a good natural blood thinner. This was after test subjects ingested a tablespoon of organic MCT oil on an empty stomach. It also does not increase blood sugar levels, which makes it safe for diabetics to use.
If you are interested to find an answer to Is MCT oil a blood thinner? The video below will help you with it. Hematic food youtube channel conduct an experiment using MCT oil. Is MCT oil a blood thinner? is not the only experiment. Please visit hematicfood youtube channel for other interesting experiments.
MCT oil on an empty stomach
It would seem that the best benefits are reaped when MCT oil is taken on an empty stomach. But there are some warnings that it may give you a feeling of an upset stomach, so it seems to be the best course of action to see when it is best for you as an individual to take MCT oil. Unfortunately there are some people who cannot take MCT oil on an empty stomach, as it causes gut problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, and cramping. The percentage of people that are affected this way is normally people who are on a high-fat diet, or people who have liver damage or disease.
Benefits of MCT oil
Let us first understand what exactly MCT oil is so that we may understand the benefits of it. MCT oil is an organic oil, of which there are four types. These are caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12). The health benefits of MCT oil comes mainly from C6, C8 and C10. These compounds bypasses your digestive tract and are processed by the liver into energy sources called ketones. Now that we know what MCT oil is, let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of this wonder oil.
Gastrointestinal health is at the top of the list, as MCT oil is easily absorbed into your gastrointestinal tract, which consists of your mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, anus, and bloodstream. It helps to manage and prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Another great health benefit is that it helps with weight loss. Studies have shown that MCT oil reduces obesity through the increase of energy you expend, thus promoting a feeling of being full, and decreasing the fat in the tissue. An athletic health benefit that organic MCT oil has is that it reduces the lactate build-up in the body which occurs when excess acids in the muscles causes post-workout soreness. Furthermore MCT oil is an energy booster, and acts as brain fuel.
What is MCT oil used for?
First thing you need to know about how to use MCT oil – do not use it in cooking or baking! Since it is unrefined, it has a low smoke point and thus it does not respond well to heat. But there are many other ways that you can use your MCT oil. You can add organic MCT oil directly into your coffee or tea, a smoothie, or a salad dressing. A serving size varies between half a tablespoon to 3 tablespoons. If it is your first time introducing this into your diet, it is wise to start slow. Also take into consideration the calorie intake of a single tablespoon equates to 100 calories.
MCT oil vs Coconut oil
This is probably a question asked a lot by health fundis. Which is actually better? MCT oil or coconut oil? Although they have similarities in the light of both being fats popularly used in ketogenic diets, they also have other characteristics that overlap. But each also have their own unique benefits and uses. To understand the true difference between MCT oil and coconut oil, we have to get into the science of it. For a more in-depth look at the science behind it, take a look at MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: What’s the Difference? (healthline.com)To break it down, coconut oil can be used in cooking and baking, while MCT oil cannot.
Both are used in ketogenic diets, and have amazing health benefits. Because of its added benefits, MCT is preferred by those following a ketogenic diet. The reason for that is that it is low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in fats. MCT oil is also preferred by athletes because of the benefits as described earlier. Although you can add MCT oil into some of your foods or drink it clean, it cannot be used in cooking or baking. This is where coconut oil steps up to the plate to take the win. I hope it gives you an idea what is the difference MCT oil vs Coconut Oil
MCT oil nutrition facts
This one is quite easy and straightforward. If you look at the label of a standard bottle of organic MCT oil for sale, the nutritional facts are simple. Per 1 tablespoon serving, it contains no cholesterol, sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, calcium or iron. It does however contain fat. 100% of it. If this is converted to calories, you would be getting 121 calories per tablespoon (14g) of MCT oil.
Does MCT oil expire?
The only known thing to not have an expiration date is honey. So yes, MCT oil does have a shelf life. If stored correctly, MCT oil can lasts for up to 18 months. It will eventually become rancid, and then it will no longer serve the purpose that it was bought for originally. The best way to determine whether your MCT oil has gone bad is to smell it and look for discoloration. But if you use it daily then you should be through that bottle long before it can even get a chance to go bad.