MCT Oil

MCT oil, short for medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a type of dietary fat that is easily absorbed and metabolised by the body. It's derived from coconut oil and consists of medium-chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (C8). MCT oil is often used as a supplement for its various health benefits, including promoting weight loss, providing a quick source of energy, and supporting cognitive function.

C8 MCT oil offers a multitude of benefits, including rapid and sustained energy production, enhanced cognitive function, appetite control, improved athletic performance, metabolic support for weight management, and promotion of gut health. Its unique ability to swiftly convert into ketones provides a quick energy boost without the need for extensive digestion, supporting mental clarity and focus. Additionally, it aids in regulating appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, making it beneficial for weight management strategies. C8 MCT oil also enhances endurance and exercise performance, supports fat burning and metabolic rate elevation, and contributes to a balanced gut microbiome through its antimicrobial properties.

To utilise MCT oil for weight loss, incorporate it into your diet strategically. Start with small doses, gradually increasing to avoid digestive discomfort. Add it to beverages like coffee or smoothies for a quick energy boost and enhanced satiety. Use it in cooking or baking as a substitute for other fats to promote fat burning and metabolic efficiency. Pair MCT oil with a balanced diet rich in whole foods and proteins, and maintain an active lifestyle. Consistent consumption of MCT oil, alongside healthy habits, can aid weight loss by supporting energy expenditure, appetite control, and metabolic regulation.

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is used for various purposes due to its unique properties. It's commonly used to promote weight loss and support ketogenic or low-carb diets by providing a quick source of energy that can be converted into ketones. Additionally, MCT oil is known for enhancing cognitive function, boosting mental clarity, and improving focus. It can also aid in athletic performance by providing sustained energy during exercise. Furthermore, MCT oil has been linked to promoting gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Overall, MCT oil is a versatile supplement with numerous potential health benefits.

At Willpowders, our favourite research on the benefits of MCT comes from scientists who’ve checked and reviewed the research of peer scientists for its validity so that you don’t need to take our word for it, you can rely on the best science has to offer, the MCT creme de la creme, if you will.   With this in mind, you can rely on us when we say replacing fats with long chain triglycerides for medium chain triglycerides, MCTs, potentially aids your body in some weight reduction.  We’ll let you into a secret – that’s less waist and hip circumference, total body fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat when compared to a diet that relies on LCTs.   As an added bonus, it appears that MCTs do not adversely affect your lipid profile so you get to keep being loving to your heart health too.

‘Waist and hip circumferences, total body fat, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat were also significantly reduced’

‘Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles.’

Study Link

Authors: Karen Mumme PGDipSc, Welma Stonehouse PhD, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2015

Published: 2015

If you are a fan of stroking your hair with a little oil for repair, then you might be wise to use MCT oil.  A study has shown that hair treated with medium chain triglycerides has better oil penetration than those who treated their hair with long chain triglycerides.

‘The present results strongly suggested that the fatty acids with medium chain length has better penetration ability than the fatty acids with longer chain length. And that better protection of damaged hair is possible with better oil penetration.’

Study Link

Authors: Kim, S., Ahn, C.

Published: 2023

If you want a quick-access energy source without an accumulation of fat, then MCT oils are your friend.  

‘MCT are lipids with multiple health benefits owing to its fatty acid composition which are metabolized in such a manner that it produces ketone bodies which serves as a quick energy source and there is no reformation of triglyceride which accumulate as a fat.’

Study Link

Authors: Jadhav, H.B., Annapure

Published: 2023 

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are known for their antimicrobial properties, which can positively influence gut health. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry investigated the effects of MCTs on gut microbiota and intestinal permeability. The research demonstrated that MCTs possess antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, thereby promoting a healthier gut microbiome. Additionally, MCTs were found to enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing permeability and supporting overall gut health.

Study