Although there have been many supplements that have come and gone,
MCT Oil is one of the most effective still today. MCT Oil ( Medium Chain
Triglyceride ) has been used to treat fat malabsorption, obesity and
cystic fibrosis. This is also one of the better researched supplements
on the market today.
Your body uses MCT Oil and burns it rapidly for energy. In a study
where 20 healthy men ingested a single dose of either MCT oil or canola
oil. Then Blood samples were taken prior to the dosing and then at one
hour intervals over five hours. Triglycerides, or blood fats, actually
decreased 15% for those taking MCT Oil whereas fats increased 47% with
the group taking canola oil.
MCT’s are immediately burned to release energy, rapidly oxidized
and not stored as bodyfat whereas LCT are stored as fat. Some of the
energy released by MCT’s is released as heat in the process known as
thermogenesis, thus you burn more calories per hour. So replacing MCT
oil for conventional fats in the diet will result in much less bodyfat.
Insulin stimulates fat storing enzymes to store any excess calories into
fat but with MCT oil, these enzymes are less active avoiding fat
storage.
MCT oil also has anticatabolic properties, it spares body protein and
improves nitrogen balance, thus increasing body weight by protein
retention not bodyfat. MCT oil also spares the BCCA, as it is converted
into Ketones which are released into the blood stream and used as fuel.
Thus sparing the BCCA and making them available to build muscle instead
of being burned as fuel.
MCT’s vs LTC’s
- More soluble
- Are absorbed as fast as glucose
- Enter circulation in the bloodstream within several minutes
- Are emptied from the stomach rapidly
- Require less bile and digestive juices for digestion
- Have a lower melting point
MCT’s also have 8.3 calories per gram – two times the calorie
density of protein and carbohydrates. MCT’s are generally safe to
supplement with except for those with medical conditions ( consult your
doctor if not sure ). Just remember, MCT’s do not supply any EFA, the
best sources for these are safflower oil, canola oil or olive oil or
fish.