What is MCT Oil and How Do You Use it with the Keto Diet?
MCT oil is one of the hottest supplements these days. With the skyrocketing popularity of the keto diet and bulletproof coffee, everyone wants to know what it is and if they should use it.
MCT stands for medium chain triglyceride and the oil is rich in lauric acid. Coconut oil is often confused with MCT oil and people assume that they’re the same. To a certain extent they’re similar, but there are differences, too.
Most cold pressed coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides, but coconut oil also contains other kinds of fat that are not really required for weight loss. This is where MCT oil makes a difference.
Not all MCT oil is made equal
MCT oil is comprised of 100% medium chain triglycerides – which is more than what coconut oil contains. It is solely comprised of the fats necessary for weight loss. Many MCT oil manufacturers try to pass off diluted lauric acid as MCT oil. So, you’ll need to purchase quality high-grade MCT oil from reputable suppliers.
Why is MCT oil so effective in the keto diet?
MCT oil is assimilated very quickly by the body. Your body craves this type of fat. Unlike long chain triglycerides that need to be processed by the pancreas and requires enzymes to digest, MCT oil absorption is much faster.
It’s rapidly absorbed by the gut, travels through the blood stream and reaches the liver very quickly. So, what does that mean?
Simple. It means your body can access the fuel and get energy rapidly. That’s what makes it so popular for bulletproof coffee.
What is bulletproof coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is one of those drinks that keto dieters absolutely swear by. Basically, it’s normal coffee that’s mixed with ghee or butter and a serving of MCT oil. If MCT oil is not available, then coconut oil will do.
While there are some people who say that consuming bulletproof coffee is not a good idea, there are many who swear by it as a meal replacement and an aid to fat loss.
Since bulletproof coffee is high in calories from fat, most people on a keto diet just treat it as a breakfast meal. If you stopped to think about it, the coffee is high in good fat, nutrients and a dose of caffeine to give you the mental boost you need to start the day.
That’s better than most sugary cereals drowned in processed milk and followed by a glass of processed orange juice that’s laden with sugar. First meal of the day and already people have consumed a ton of sugar. Bulletproof coffee is a much healthier option.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, you can still add MCT oil to your salad as salad dressing or just swallow 1 tsp a day. Initially, you should consume just 1 tsp and slowly work your way up to 1-4 tbsp a day.
Consuming MCT oil is hassle-free. Do note that since it has a low smoke point, you shouldn’t use it for cooking. The heat generated during cooking also changes the chemical structure of the oil. So, it’s best to consume it at room temperature or with coffee.
There is a plethora of benefits that can be accrued from consuming MCT oil. Do give it a try and in a couple of weeks, you will feel the difference. Most respectable keto dieters will not be caught without his or her MCT oil. Just make sure you get a good quality oil.