Hack Your Hormones
Spot the Difference Between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil
MCT 101: The One Where We Debunk the Myth That Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Are the Same.
In your quest to eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible and improve the way you fuel your body and brain, it’s important to understand why MCT oil is worth considering over coconut oil. After all, it’s not every day that we choose a refined version of a natural product for better possible health outcomes!
Coconut Oil Aids Weight Loss and Brain Function? Not Exactly.
For many of us, coconuts were once only found in childhood memories—stuffed in Bounty bars or glued onto Aunt Alice’s coconut macaroons. Little did we know that coconuts held so much more potential beyond novelty and confectionery! When coconut oil burst onto the wellness scene, there were whispers of weight management benefits. We’d reached peak “coconut bliss”. But, alas, the hype surrounding coconut oil and its supposed wonders was a bit misplaced.
Turns out, if you’re after those weight loss and brain function benefits, it’s the more refined C8 MCT oil you need. Take a mooch around WillPowders C8 MCT oil by clicking here. Recent research, including a meta-analysis published in August 2024, confirmed that diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) support weight loss efforts better than those focused on long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) like those found in coconut oil [*].
So, Where Did the Coconut Oil Confusion Start?
In the early 2000s, studies by Dr. Marie-Pierre St. Onge found that MCTs could aid weight loss in overweight men. However, people quickly conflated MCT oil with coconut oil, given that coconut oil contains a small amount of MCTs. The confusion led many to rush out and buy jars of cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil in search of quick weight loss results. The misunderstanding? Coconut oil only contains around 15% MCTs—the rest is mostly LCTs.
Let’s Do Some Fat Profiling
Coconut oil is around 85% LCTs and only 15% MCTs. Most of those MCTs aren’t the real weight-loss heavy hitters like C8, which only makes up around 6-8% of coconut oil. In short, if you’re trying to rely on coconut oil for brain energy and weight loss, it’s like eating blueberry muffins for the “antioxidants” instead of just having the blueberries!
The Real Secret Agents: C8 MCT Oil
C8 MCT oil is the elite performer when it comes to ketone production, which fuels the brain without causing spikes in blood sugar. At WillPowders, we source our C8 MCT oil from premium Indonesian coconuts using a hexane-free process. This refinement means you’re getting the cream of the crop (without compromising on quality or flavour!).
Our MCT Keto Creamer combines MCT powder with grass-fed butter to create a versatile product that, when used according to pack guidance, won’t break a fast. So whether you’re mixing it into your morning coffee or cooking up an MCT Keto Creamer infused meal, you could do yourself a lovely soup, you’re covered.
How to Use MCT Oil for Weight Loss
The benefits of MCT oil start with its quick absorption, bypassing the lymphatic system and heading straight to the liver, where it’s converted into ketones. This fast-track process helps control cravings and boosts brain function more effectively than LCTs, which take a longer route through your system.
Interestingly, MCT oil acts more like glucose in providing quick energy for your brain, which loves readily available fuel. Given that our brains account for about 20% of our energy needs, ready fuel could be a huge plus for those looking to engage in some ‘brain activating’.
Fuelling the Brain with Ketones is Not Dangerous
The idea that fuelling your brain with ketones is somehow harmful is a myth. In fact, research shows that MCTs are safe and well-tolerated. As we age, our brains may become less efficient at using glucose as a fuel source. This inefficiency can be exacerbated by excess sugars in our diets, leading to insulin resistance. Switching to an MCT-rich diet could help your brain access an alternative fuel source.
Is MCT Wellness a Hoax? Not on WillPowders’ Watch!
The porperties of MCT oil are backed by solid science, and we’ve done our homework to prove it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the research-backed benefits:
- MCTs can increase energy expenditure, aiding weight management efforts .
- MCTs can enhance feelings of fullness compared to LCTs, reducing the urge to snack .
- MCTs may help prevent obesity by encouraging energy use and reducing body fat.
- MCTs support fat oxidation and increase post-meal energy expenditure .
- MCTs can lead to better appetite control in a fat-rich diet compared to LCTs.
Don’t Divorce Coconut Oil Just Yet!
While WillPowders MCT Oil might take the cake for brain function and weight management, there’s still a place for good old coconut oil. Unlike hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are artificially forced into solidity, coconut oil naturally stays solid at room temperature. Barring a heatwave, of course! So, go ahead and keep using it in your protein balls and recipes where it shines!
The Good Fat Choice
Despite its high proportion of saturated fat, coconut oil isn’t the dietary villain it was once made out to be. The demonisation of saturated fat is increasingly being called into question, with some experts suggesting that replacing fats with sugars and refined carbs over the last few decades may have done more harm than good. Cardiologist Dr. Assem Malhotra argues that choosing good fats over sugar is a smart move for both weight and heart health and you can take a look at him talking about this if you dig into our Further Reading.
For all its properties, if you want the true heavyweight in the fat category, back an MCT oil. You can find our WillPowders C8 MCT Oil for suppressing sugar cravings and boosting weight loss here. Plus, if you’re looking for some MCT Oil recipe inspiration, we’ve got plenty to get you started!
Further Reading
- Duranova, H., Kuzelova, L., Fialkova, V. et al. Coconut-sourced MCT oil: its potential health benefits beyond traditional coconut oil. Phytochem Rev (2024). Read here.
- To see cardiologist Dr. Assem Malhotra’s take on saturated fat, check out his argument here.
- For more info on brain health and ageing, check out the Food for the Brain Foundation’s take on MCT oil.
- For more about the brain and ketones, see Cunnane SC et al., Can Ketones Help Rescue Brain Fuel Supply in Later Life? Read here.
- For the meta-analysis on MCT oil and weight loss, see He H, et al., The Impact of Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Weight Loss Read here.
By focusing on quality fats and smarter food choices, you can support your body and brain in thriving—not just surviving!
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Disclaimer
Our blogs are written with love in the hope that they go some way in helping you feel like the rockstar you are, and whilst we do our due diligence, research like maniacs and fact check our stuff, we know everyone’s journey is different. They are intended to educate and empower you, not usurp medical advice. We would never advise you to stop, adjust, or modify any prescription medication without the direct supervision of your healthcare practitioner, but don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your new found knowledge, brought to you by the marvels of nature because they don't know everything! Blogs are always informed by Davinia but often written by a member of the team. Not all blogs reflect Davinia's experiences and sometimes provide alternative perspectives