How is mct oil different from coconut oil

First off, it's important to understand that both coconut oil and MCT oil contain MCTs, also known as medium chain triglycerides.

Each of these fatty acids has its own unique benefits ranging from energy to boosting metabolism, to antimicrobial properties. If you really want to nerd out on these differences, check out this article. Plenty of cultures have understood the benefits of coconut oil on some level for centuries. Coconut oil is the oil extracted from the kernel of the coconut. This oil can be extracted in various ways, including refined and unrefined methods.

However, the ratio of MCTs in coconut is highly in favor of lauric acid C12 , giving it powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. MCT products are purified extractions of coconut oil, ensuring they contain a higher concentration of diverse MCTs such as C8 and C10 than coconut oil does.

This concentrated form of fats proves to be a highly efficient source of energy. Typically, the MCTs found in MCT oil bypass the normal fat digestion and head straight to the liver where they are quickly metabolized by the body and converted into energy, providing increased energy levels and fat burning properties through supporting the production of ketone bodies, making it the popular choice for people following the keto diet.

Stonge They measured energy expenditure before eating and six hours after consuming the meal. In essence, you're burning more calories while eating the same amount of food. MCTs may also help support cognitive health such as Parkinson's and Alzheimers disease. Page In a study performed on eleven patients with type 1 diabetes, participants received either MCT-based drinks or placebo drinks before undergoing a series of cognitive tests.

The results found cognitive improvements in areas such as verbal memory, digit symbol coding, and other mental tests. This illustrates MCTs can improve cognitive function and may preserve brain function in diabetic patients. Not every type of MCT is created equal, however. There are four primary types of MCTs, distinguished by the number of carbons they contain:.

All four types of fatty acids are categorized as MCTs, but only C6, C8, and C10 can go straight to the liver to be broken down for ketone production. C12, on the other hand, is digested through the stomach, broken down in the stomach, and absorbed in your blood for energy. Known as the shortest MCT, caproic acid has six carbons in each fatty acid chain. Like other MCTs, it can quickly be converted to ketones, but comes with a bitter taste and may cause stomach issues.

Although some MCT products may use caproic acid, it's generally not considered the best source of MCTs for ketone production. Most people consider caprylic acid or C8 to be the most ketogenic form of MCT. It contains eight carbon atoms in each fatty acid chain and can be converted to ketones faster than other forms of MCTs.

As such you should strive to make sure the majority of MCTs in your ketogenic diet contain C8 to maximize ketone production. Capric acid, or C10, can be found in coconut oil and certain types of animal milks. There is limited research on C10, but some studies suggest it can provide benefits to the immune system. In one limited study, 50 microliters of capric acid were applied orally to Candida-infected a fungal infection mice.

Although there is not much research on capric acid, it is reasonable to believe it may have antimicrobial benefits. The scientific community has extensively debated if lauric acid is in fact an MCT. However, researchers have suggested it behaves more similarly to a long-chain fatty acid, and will not break down into ketones unless you follow a strict low-carb diet.

A study showed it may provide antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, but can be less effective for ketone production. Recently, coconut oil has achieved superfood status. Pure coconut oil comes from coconut flesh, extracting away the fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins—leaving behind just the fat content. Dayrit However, as we previously discussed, lauric acid is a less effective MCT source for producing ketones due to its higher-chained carbon number because it closely resembles a LCT as opposed to a MCT.

There are some benefits to stand-alone coconut oil such as improving good HDL cholesterol and lowering bad LDL cholesterol. In a study performed on 40 women, groups were given 30mL of soy bean oil or coconut oil over a week period while following a hypo-caloric diet and walking 50 minutes per day. Assuncao Women who supplemented with coconut oil experienced higher HDL levels the good cholesterol and lower LDL levels the bad cholesterol , as well as a reduction in waist circumference.

Based on the data, it appears stand-alone coconut oil may improve cholesterol, reduce weight, and lower the risk of heart disease. In a study performed on 34 patients with xerosis, gave either coconut oil or mineral oil twice a day for two weeks.

Agero Both oils showed significant improvements in skin hydration and skin surface lipid levels. Although this study does not prove coconut oil is superior to mineral oil, it still leads us to believe it can hydrate dry skin.

Coconut oil can provide certain health benefits not seen in pure MCT oil. But it depends on your goals. Some people consume these oils directly depending again, on their need.

But you can mix them into food and drink for more palatability, and also to develop a consistent routine when using them. MCT oil is versatile as it can be used in butter coffee aka bulletproof coffee , as a cooking oil, smoothie ingredient, or even to create tasty fat bombs. The good thing about MCT oil is its flavorless profile—it can be a chameleon, used in virtually any cooking situation.

It also mixes flawlessly due to its liquid texture. You can blend it, drizzle it, or use it in place of other oils such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil. They contain medium-chain triglycerides that can help you burn as many as calories every day. About half of the fatty acids in coconut oils are lauric acid, known for killing fungi, viruses, and bacteria, with the ability to protect you from various infections.

Coconut oil has a sweet taste and is used slightly differently than MCT oil. Melrose Premium Liquid Coconut Oil can complement practically any cuisine with its light aroma and a nutty flavour. You can also use it for desserts or as a dressing over salads. MCT and coconut oils are some of the most beneficial substances you can add to your diet. Supporting mental and physical health for optimal performance, they have the added bonus of being highly versatile in the kitchen. This recipe is the perfect afternoon treat that is sure to satisfy, without spiking blood sugars.

Best yet, it's been created by master baker, Reece Hignell ex Masterchef and owner at Cake Boi , so you know it's going to taste good. The addition of Coconut Oil and MCT Oil in this recipe up the content of Medium Chain Triglycerides, the fats are directly converted into energy, rather than being stored.

Coconut Oils — Comparing the Benefits and Uses. MCT Oils vs. MCT oils can facilitate your bodily functions in many ways: Achieves Ketosis Ketosis is a low-carb metabolic state where your blood ketone levels are elevated.