MCT OIL BENEFITS: LEARN HOW IT CAN HELP BOOST YOUR KETO PROGRESS

Ever wonder how some ketoers seem to be full of energy and laser-focused all day?

Don’t know how someone can be low-carb and still beat you one-on-one in basketball, badminton, or tennis?

Well, wonder no more!

Today at The Keto Collective, we’re spilling the beans on MCT oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides), the secret weapon of the ketogenic diet. 

From fueling your body and brain to expediting your weight loss timeline, MCT oil might just be the missing piece in your keto puzzle! 

Ready to ditch that afternoon slump and keto faster? Let’s talk about the benefits of MCT oil!

Extracted from coconut oil, 2 isn’t just any oil. MCT oils are from coconut and have a high ‘smoke point’ for cooking, so when buying MCT oils make sure to check the purity and source.

Packed with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) - the kind your body can digest and turn into pure energy. This superfood oil has been making headlines in the health world and for good reason. From weight loss to brain-boosting health benefits, MCT oil seems to have it all. Plus, as an extra bonus, it has lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and antifungal effects!

But is it too good to be true? 

Let’s find out what makes this oil so special.

Want to lose a few pounds? MCT oil might be your new best friend when it comes to weight loss on keto. 

Studies show it can increase ketone production, those magic molecules that curb your appetite and tell your body to burn fat for fuel. 

With your appetite under control and your body working more efficiently, those unwanted pounds could melt away faster than a plate of keto cookies! 

Unlike long-chain triglycerides, MCTs are rapidly digested and absorbed, providing quick energy with fewer calories.

Helps burn belly fat you say? You bet it does! 

That stubborn belly fat, the kind that seems to stick around no matter what you do, might finally have met its match with MCT oil. 

See, having a little jelly around the belly isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s linked to a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems. 

But here’s the best part: MCT oil has been shown to target belly fat by firing up those ketone engines and burning fat stores more efficiently. Talk about a win-win!

Need a quick energy boost? 

MCT oil is your energy drink without the sugar crash! 

This stuff gets absorbed super fast and turns into fuel for your body, perfect for athletes or anyone needing a pick-me-up.

Say goodbye to that afternoon slump and hello to lasting energy!

Studies show the health benefits of MCT oil can boost brainpower, which is especially important for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

This is because MCT oil fuels the brain by creating ketones - a clean and efficient energy source that can improve focus, memory and overall brain function. 

Plus MCT oil can be beneficial for those on a ketogenic diet by supporting brain health and managing Alzheimer’s disease.

MCT oil isn’t just a brain booster and fat burner. It’s also a secret weapon for your skin.

Its natural moisturising properties can leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft, while its anti-inflammatory effects can calm redness and irritation. 

So if you’re struggling with acne or other skin conditions MCT oil could be a game changer for your skincare routine.

Think MCT oil’s benefits stop at your skin? 

Think again! 

The same moisturising properties that work wonders on your skin can also leave your hair looking hydrated and healthy. 

Plus, MCT OIl has been shown to fight dandruff and other scalp conditions, so you can finally say goodbye to those pesky flakes!

Did you know your gut health is linked to everything from your mood to your weight?

MCT oil can be a gut buddy, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that calm your insides. 

Plus it encourages the growth of good bacteria, those friendly microbes that keep your gut happy and healthy. 

So, if you’re struggling with digestive issues, MCT oil could be the gut-friendly boost you need.

But wait there’s more! MCT oil isn’t just a brain booster and fat burner. It might also help your heart. Research shows it can lower the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the “good” cholesterol (HDL) - a double win for heart health! 

MCT oil has been shown to result in a greater reduction in total cholesterol levels compared to olive oil. 

Plus its anti-inflammatory properties can further reduce heart disease risk!

Okay, let’s get real about MCT oil. While it’s a superstar for many, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Like any good supplement, there can be a few bumps in the road. 

So before you start chugging this stuff let’s take a quick look at the side effects. Don’t worry it’s not all doom and gloom, just some honest keto talk!

When you first start with MCT oil it can cause a bit of a stir in your gut. This is because your body absorbs MCTs like a sponge and that can sometimes cause bloating, gas or even the dreaded runs. 

If this happens don’t panic! 

Just take it easy on the oil and see if things settle down. If not maybe it’s not the best fit for you.

While MCT Oil is not technically a laxative, it can have a “loosening” effect on some people.

This is because those MCFAs move through your system fast and can encourage your bowels to do their thing a bit more often than usual. 

So, if you find yourself making extra trips to the bathroom, ease up on the MCT oil and see if things get back to normal.

While rare it’s worth noting MCT oil is derived from coconut oil so if you have a coconut allergy it’s best to avoid. 

Allergic reactions can range from mild (hives and itching) to severe (difficulty breathing). Better safe than sorry, so be careful if you have any coconut issues!

Remember everyone is different so what works for your keto friend might not work for you. If you have any concerns always chat with your doctor before adding MCT oil to your routine.

Okay, so you want to try MCT oil? Great! But how much should you take? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the perfect dose depends on your individual needs and goals.

But as a general rule of thumb start small (half a teaspoon) and increase gradually. 

Too much of a good thing can cause tummy troubles so listen to your body and find what works for you. For more on dosage check out our  MCT oil dosage  article. 

MCT oil supplements can also be helpful for insulin sensitivity, weight loss and a convenient energy boost.

Now that you know the potential side effects let’s get to how to use this wonder oil. 

MCT oil is super versatile and can be used in many ways:

• Cooking: Got a hot pan? MCT oil is your friend. High smoke point makes it perfect for stir-fries, pan-fried dishes and even baking.

• Smoothies: Add a splash of MCT oil to your morning smoothie for a keto-friendly boost. It’ll add creaminess and give you sustained energy.

• Coffee: Ever heard of  bulletproof coffee ? It’s coffee with butter or ghee and a big dollop of MCT oil. Said to sharpen your mind and keep you fuelled for hours. Try it!

• Salad Dressings: Ditch those sugary store bought dressings and make your own with MCT oil as the base.

Taking MCT oil as a supplement can help with weight and fat loss and is a great way to get healthy fats into your diet.

MCT oil is a supplement not a meal replacement. It’s here to help you on your keto journey not replace a healthy balanced diet. So start slow and see how your body reacts. You might just find yourself adding a spoonful to everything!

Struggling with cravings? MCT oil could be your secret to appetite control. It’s been shown to increase the production of hunger regulating hormones so you feel full and less likely to reach for those keto snacks.

Brain fog be gone! 

Many MCT oil users report feeling more mentally clear and focused. MCTs get converted into ketones which your brain loves to use as fuel. This steady supply of ketones can improve your overall cognitive function and keep your mind sharp as a tack.

So whether you need more energy, less hunger, better digestion or a sharper mind MCT oil might be the secret to your  keto success  and feeling your best.

MCT oil is that magic ingredient that can take your keto lifestyle to the next level. Not only can it help you lose those extra pounds and increase energy but it might also help your brain, gut and heart health at the same time!