Is there a better oil out there than coconut oil for weight loss and energy?
Marketed as a fat loss supplement, MCT oil has begun making waves as more than just a weight loss supplement lately.
Athletes and consumers alike have begun singing the oils praises as a energy boosting supplement as well.
This oil fires up your metabolism and provide an energy boost unlike any other food. But, does MCT Oil before bed keeps you awake at night? Lets find out!
Does MCT Oil Cause Insomnia & Lack of Sleep?
No. MCT Oil does not cause insomnia. Instead, it helps you sleep better.
But, if you are just starting out & are not used to any MCT at all, start slowly. Too much MCT can definitely keep you awake & from sleeping well.
You can take up to 1 tablespoon of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) before bed. It gives your brain stable energy while you sleep.
It works even better with protein or herbal tea.
What are MCTs?
MCTs, also called MCFAs or medium chain triglycerides, are a type of fat that is composed mostly of caprylic and capric fatty acids.
Unlike long chain fatty acids which make up an abundance of popular foods, medium chain fatty acids have been found to provide several health benefits.
With all of the health concerns surrounding saturated fats, recent research has discovered a severe lack of MCTs in western diets.
This fear has long contributed to the fear of healthy fats such as coconut oil, but thankfully as more and more research reveals the health benefits of these foods, the conumption of them is increasing.
What Are The Other Benefits of MCT Oil?
So what exactly makes MCT oil so good for us? For one, they are easily absorbed by our bodies. Due to MCTs being smaller carbon bonds they can be broken down and digested easier, being sent directly to the liver for use as fuel.
Dr. Laurie Cullen at The Women’s Institute states that MCTs are so good for us because they bypass the digestion process that the longer chain fatty acids have to go through.
These MCTs are then able to provide the body with quick energy and thus avoid being stored as fat.
Dr. Cullen goes on further to say that when medium chain triglycerides are consumed with a meal they have a thermogenic effect, which means there is an increase in the number of calories being burned.
With more calories being used, less are being stored as fat, which can have positive effects on overall body fat levels.
MCT Oil can help with Weight Loss
MCTs seem to have positive effects on metabolism and weight loss.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition compared the body weight and body fat of adults who consumed either long chain fatty acids or medium chain fatty acids over a span of 12 weeks.
Every other aspect of their diet was the same except for the type of fats that were being consumed.
After 12 weeks, the decrease in body fat as well as body weight was significantly lower in those who consumed the medium chain fatty acids compared to those who consumed the long chain fatty acids.
Due to this, MCTs are believed to have a ketogenic effect in the body, which means they have a heating effect in the body and the ability to be used for energy.
MCTs behave more like a carbohydrate in the body than a fat, which leads to a higher metabolic rate.
MCT Oil protect heart health
MCTs appear to be able to decrease the chances of cardiovascular disease.
This seems to be due to the fact that MCTs are anti-inflammatory, easy to digest, provide quick energy and are satiating. All of these combined can be extremely helpful in weight management, which is essential to heart health.
MCT Oil helps boost brain power
The brain is made up mostly of fatty acids, so it makes sense that you would need to supply it with enough fatty acids for continued proper function.
MCTs don’t just boost clarity, focus, and energy though. In a study published in The Journal of Neurobiology, the research found that the MCTs that were found in coconut oil helped improve the memory of those who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related memory problems.
MCT Oil Helps improve nutrient absorption and digestion
MCTs are incredibly helpful in aiding healthy gut bacteria. When the gut is healthy, the body responds positively in terms of digestive health, energy and the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals.
Due to MCTs anti-viral capablities, they also can help kill a wide range of viruses and bacteria that may cause digestive issues.
Fatty acids are also a vital part of nutrient absorption. In order to absorb fat-soluble nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium, you need to consume healthy fats.
Regardless of how many nutrient-rich foods you eat, if you aren’t also consuming healthy MCTs then your body won’t be able to absorb all of the nutrients available.
MCT Oil is Anti-Bacterial and anti-fungal
MCTs act as powerful, natural antibiotics to help combat bacteria and pathogens in the body. In fact, MCTs are so powerful that they can reduce bad bacteria in the body without harming any of the good bacteria.
This is an incredible benefit considering that we need good bacteria in order to maintain a heathy gut.
Sources of MCTs
With coconut oil being made of roughly 60% to 65% MCTs, it is a fantastic source of the essential fatty acids. MCTs can also be found naturally in foods.
Some food sources of MCTs are:
- palm kernel oil
- cheese
- butter
- milk
- yogurt
Due to the hype surrounding MCTs and what they can do for the body, there are also strict MCT oils available now that provide a complete serving of MCTs.
How To Consume MCT Oil?
MCT oils have no taste or smell, which makes them easy to consume by the spoonful if so desired. While some people believe that the supplement should be taken by itself, it does not always need to be.
Here are some ways to include MCT oil into your daily diet:
- Mix MCT oil into salad dressings
- Blend MCT oil into coffee for a “bulletproof” coffee
- Add MCT oil to smoothies or yogurt
- Stir MCT oil into oatmeal
Conclusion
While a strict MCT oil might not be necessary in order to receive the MCT benefits found naturally in foods or coconut oil, it can be an essential part of good health.
MCTs aren’t a miracle fat burning solution, but there is clearly evidence that they can aid in weight management. Due to the way our bodies digest MCTs, they also provide quick brain fuel and energy for our bodies.
Whether you are consuming MCTs in the form of coconut oil or an MCT oil, these fats are definitely not ones you should fear.
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