What are the health benefits of MCT powder and MCT oil?

As we’ve said before, someone really needs to change the name of MCT oil[CB1]  and MCT powder. It doesn’t exactly sing. It sounds more like something you’d reach for to treat a fungal infection on your foot. But seriously, you need to zip beyond its identity-crisis and learn about MCT oil benefits, and how to use MCT oil in your diet. It’s incredible stuff, and the world needs to know about it.

MCT simply stands for medium-chain triglycerides. These are an incredible clean energy source for our bodies.  MCT oil is made from coconut oil through a process called fractionation. This involves mechanically extracting the MCTs from the oil. It can be undertaken from palm oil too, but we believe the best MCTs come directly from the coconut. 

MCT oils generally contain a mixture of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).  Our MCT powder contains approximately 60% C8 and 40% C10.  C8 and C10 are generally regarded as the ‘best’ medium-chain triglycerides and the ones most desired by athletes and those on training regimes to optimise their training regimes. 

The difference between MCT oil and MCT powder

Essentially, beyond the obvious, there’s not actually a huge amount of difference between MCT oil and MCT powder. Both are extracted from coconuts. The issue is that in an oil form, it can be more limited in its use to the kitchen, as carrying a liquid around can get messy. That’s why we’ve also created our MCT powder. This means you can grab and go, and use it out and about more easily.

However, we need to add a word of warning here. There are a number of different ways of turning the oil into a powder, and therein lies a problem. Some manufacturers add maltodextrin to create the powder and to stop it coagulating. We don’t. We use acacia fibre. We do this because we believe this is much better for you, acting as a prebiotic, meaning it doesn’t take away from the MCT oil benefits which we’ll outline in a moment.

MCT powder is water soluble, so it can be used in the same way as oil, but it is more convenient to have to hand.

Is MCT oil a superfood?

Well, given its name, not quite yet. It doesn’t have the same ring to it as bursting blueberries or brilliant broccoli. However, don’t let that deceive you. We reckon that MCT powder and oil are superfood-status worthy. It’s gaining a reputation, for all the right reasons, so definitely watch this space.

We need to understand a bit about medium chain triglycerides. Get ready for a quick chemistry lesson.

How long a triglyceride is depends on the number of carbon molecules attached. If there are just 6-8 carbon molecules attached (like in MCTs), your body can digest it more easily and quickly. Some suggest its a ‘cleaner’ and less complicated energy source. Your body can use the energy like a sprinter off the block, without taking a meandering journey whereby it gets stored as fat.

Another part of the MCT image problem comes because we’ve become accustomed to being averse to fat, in all forms, especially of the saturated variety. However, science is starting to show us that the fats found in both MCT oil and powder are ‘good’ fats. They can be used for fuel and won’t end up stored.

It’s this which has led to one expert, Dr Mark Hyman, declaring MCT oil “the secret fat that makes you thin.”  There are some interesting studies around this concept, but much is still under debate. 

MCT oil suggested benefits

Remember that MCT powder is simply the next step in the process from creating MCT oil. This means that you can consider MCT powder benefits to be the same as those of the oil.

·       Potential weight loss and metabolism

The hype centres on the main benefits to weight loss. Some studies show that your body can metabolise the fat quickly; much more quickly than olive oil.  Its been suggested that it may boost your metabolism as it does it. In fact, for some people, they can digest MCTs in a way they cannot digest the longer chains, meaning they get the nutritional benefits they wouldn’t otherwise.

Additionally, MCT oil may help you to feel full, over and above coconut oil in its purer form. One study showed that those who had two tablespoons of MCT in their breakfast (mmm, smoothies here we come…), ate less at lunchtime.

·       Ketosis

Your body can convert MCTs into ketones. As a result, MCT oil can help you stay in ketosis (the fat burning state) of a ketogenic diet. A keto diet is becoming a popular and workable regime favoured by many to manage your weight.

·       Cognitive function

Some small, but promising, data exists regarding MCT oil and how it can help cognitive function. At the moment, the effects last for just a few weeks, but it gives a small hope that MCT oil could be used to improve the cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia, where its been suggested that the brain struggles to process sugar as a form of energy.

Ketogenic diets were originally introduced to help those with epilepsy manage their condition. MCTs, as part of a keto diet, may help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy.

·       Athletic function

Perhaps one group who are really boosting the reputation of MCT oil as a superfood are athletes. When exercising, lactate-levels rise, which can hinder an athlete’s performance. MCTs can reduce lactate build-up and supposedly make exercise ‘easier’. What’s more, taking MCT powder before exercise may help your body turn to fat for an energy source. 

·       Antibacterial and antifungal

Some studies have shown that MCTs have antifungal and antimicrobial effects (like coconut oil in its pure state), including reducing the common yeast which can cause irritating thrush and other skin infections. More studies are needed, but this is a promising area worth our attention.

·       Heart health

It’s been suggested that by potentially aiding weight loss, MCTs may support heart health. In addition, MCT oil may help the body to produce more HDL – known as the ‘good’ cholesterol. It ‘may’ possibly also lower C-reactive protein (CRP) known to increase your risk of heart disease, however more research is needed here.

Do’s and Don’ts with MCT Powder & MCT Oil

·       Do not overheat the MCT oil in a frying pan, as it may start to burn.  No oil should be heated past its burning point! 

·       Do not fry with MCT Powder!  Although it’s an oil powder, it’s not designed to withstand high heat frying.

·       The recommended daily consumption limit for adults of our MCT powder is 30g – no more! 

·       Do keep your MCT oil or MCT powder in a cool, dry place and avoid direct heat and light exposure.

How to use MCT oil & MCT Powder

So, given the incredible MCT oil and MCT powder benefits, it’s no wonder you’re chomping at the bit to know how to use MCT oil!

Our favourite ways to use the MCT oil include salad dressings, sauces, yoghurts and in smoothies, or drizzled over hot food. Use the MCT powder to froth up coffees or other favourite hot drinks, or simply add to porridge or cereals to give them a little extra kick. 

Just adding a tablespoon here and there is enough to bring you the benefits without upping your calories too much. Ready to try it for yourself? Hop on over to our online shop and buy MCT oil powder either for personal use, or in bulk.