Medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs are a kind of fatty acids
which are obtained from coconut oil. MCT is energy for the cells since it boost
the fat burning process and increases the mental clarity.
MCT helps in the weight loss process since it is rapidly
metabolized and burned. The liver absorbs it right from the stomach and it does
not get accumulated as a fat but directly burned and transformed into fuel.
There was a study conducted at the McGill University which
was published in 2013. This study was conducted to make comparison of the
effects that the long-chain triglycerides (olive oil) and the medium-chain
triglycerides have on appetite control, energy expenditure, body fat
accumulation and similar weight loss aspects.
The participants of the study were put on distinct diets for
a period of time of 28 days. They changed diets following a short period of
time to see the differences.
One group consumed a diet which was rich in coconut oil
which is rich in medium-chain triglycerides. The second group consumed a diet
high in long-chain triglycerides.
This researcher discovered that those men who consumed coconut oil based diet
were able to reduce body fat, which was attributed to a boost in fat burning
and energy expenditure. Coconut oil speeds up the metabolism, controls the
appetite and makes it possible for them to burn more abdomen fat, compared to
those men who consumed a diet based on olive oil.
MCTs also have a distinctive form of saturated fat which has
powerful anti-microbial and antioxidant properties which support the immune
system. They also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
MCT is a Fat Burning Oil
Let’s make a comparison between omega 6 fats and MCTs. Omega
6 fats are grain oils, bean or seed. When they are digested these oils
transport themselves to the lymph system directly. That means that the fat
tissues digest them.
On the contrary, MCTs get directly digested into the blood
and improve the metabolism, reduce fat storage, control the appetite, burn more
fat and calories. That is the reason these fats are extra fuel for the cells.
Actually, MCTs help men to burn 460 calories per day and 190
calories for women. These fats also balance the hormones, including the
hormones which control the appetite.
They are capable of improving the cholesterol profile. In a
particular study, MCTs were able to reduce the triglycerides and the body fat
more that the omega 6. Six weeks later the group which consumed MCT oil lost
more weight, subcutaneous fat and body fat and had 15 % drop in the LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides.
This happened even though MCTs are saturated fat. There was
no difference in the consumption of the total number of carbohydrates, fat or
protein and daily exercise. The subjects lost weight even though there was no
restriction of calories.
Researches attributed the weight loss to the increased fat
burning and metabolism which comes with MCTs consumption. MCTs boost the
metabolism, control the hunger, reduce fat, lower triglycerides and improve
athletic capacity. Additionally they also improve brain function.
The saturated fat in coconut oil is different from the
saturated fat that is found in fast food. Fat has been unfairly maligned for
decades yet it is one of the main building block of the body. Instead of
demonizing fat, we need to lower the intake of carbohydrates and sugar. We need
to consume more omega 3 fats and MCTs found in coconut oil.
Include MCTs in your diet in this way:
- Use it as a dressing for your salads.
- Add it to your smoothies.
- Add this to your coffee.
- Use MCT as a supplement and take one tablespoon a day.
- Use it as a marinade base for your fish, chicken or other meat.