What is MCT oil? MCT simply stands for medium chain triglycerides, as opposed to long chain triglycerides (LCT), which are found in most foods. MCT is comprised of primarily caprylic and capric fatty acids, and is a light-yellow, odorless, translucent liquid at room temperature. MCT oil occurs naturally in coconut oil and other foods.

Compared to longer-chain fats, MCTs are absorbed more easily since there’s less work for the body to do breaking apart carbon bonds. MCTs are smaller, so they can permeate our cell membranes more easily and don’t require that we use special enzymes in order for our bodies to utilize them.  MCTs and saturated fats are good for you in other ways, too: They reduce the risks of low-fat diets, and they’re supportive of your gut environment, especially since they combat harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Also, MCTs contain antioxidant properties, which is why coconut oil has far-reaching inflammatory benefits that have led it to be used to treat dozens of health problems in folk medicine for centuries.

According to Dr. Laurie Cullen at the Women’s Institute, “when MCTs are absorbed into the blood stream, they bypass the digestion process that longer chain fats go through. MCT’s provide quick energy for the body and are thus less likely to be stored in the fat cells.” Further, Dr. Cullen says that “when a meal includes medium chain triglycerides, there is a significant increase in the number of calories burned (thermogenic effect). When more calories are used, fewer are stored as fat, which helps to reduce body fat levels.”

(MCT’s) Medium-chain fatty acids are capable of helping you:

Maintain a healthy weight — since they both make you feel full
Specifically reduce stored body fat — since they also raise your metabolic function
Have more energy
Think more clearly
Experience better digestion
Balance hormone levels
Improve your mood
Fight bacterial infection and viruses
Absorb fat-soluble nutrients from various foods

What are some great ways to add MCT oil into your daily routine?

• Making homemade mayonnaise in a blender (using MCT oil, an egg yolk, some fresh pressed Olive Oil, lime juice and salt)
• Whisking together a salad dressing (using MCT oil, raw honey, Dijon mustard and your favorite herbs)
• Adding some MCT oil to smoothies, shakes, yogurt or even your coffee or tea (which stabilizes your blood sugar since it helps slow down the rate that glucose and fructose sugar molecules are absorbed)
• Using MCT oil in homemade baked goods instead of coconut oil (sub out about 1/3 of the coconut oil for MCT oil instead)

I love MCT oil and use it every single day in every single way possible!