Natural fuel for the brain and the body, MCT or medium-chain triglyceride oil is a popular supplement that is usually added to bulletproof coffee, salads, and smoothies. As the name suggests, it contains a medium-length chain of fats called triglycerides, which are quickly digested by the body and not stored as fats.

These days, MCT oil is getting more attention because of its health benefits. While some are supported by science, others are yet to be proven. Each of these amazing health benefits will be discussed further below:

1. Boosts Brain and Memory Function

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation reported that MCT oil has pros and cons in both brain and memory functions. In the study they conducted, it was found that within minutes, quality MCT oil can be turned into ketones or brain food. The more ketones, the better the brain functions.

2. Lowered Blood Sugar Levels

Aside from improving brain and memory function, MCT oil may help lower blood sugar levels. In a 2007 published study that involved type 2 diabetes patients, it was discovered that MCTs improve diabetes risk factors, such as insulin resistance.

3. Hunger Suppression

The consumption of MCT oil fills you up. Since this healthy fat is satiating, you can quickly go for long periods without food consumption. You may even reach lunchtime without feeling weak or tired. But of course, it’s no magic. MCTs improve ketone levels, and ketones suppress the hunger hormone called ghrelin. As a result, you feel full.

4. Weight Loss and Weight Management

Supporters of weight loss products like MCT oil claim that it helps with weight management and weight loss. Then again, those are just claims. Further research is still being done to prove its effectiveness.

5. Lowered Cholesterol

MCT oil may also have a crucial role to play in protecting the heart by reducing cholesterol levels. A 2009 study showed that consumption of MCT oil can enhance good cholesterol levels and reduce bad cholesterol levels in women. However, it is important to note that the study did not focus on MCT oil. It focused on the use of coconut oil, which is only a source of MCT oil.

How to Use MCT Oil

The best thing about MCT oil is that it can be used in or on just about anything. Since it is generally tasteless and odorless, you need not gag it down to reap its benefits. At room temperature, it takes the liquid form, making it easy for you to mix it into your favorite food and drinks.

If you haven’t used MCT oil before, make sure to start slowly. Begin by adding a teaspoon of the oil to your cup of coffee and gradually increase to 1 tablespoon. You’ll know if you consumed too much of it or if your body is not yet ready when you experience diarrhea.

The Bottom Line

Eating healthy and adding MCT oil to your cup of coffee may probably improve your health. However, you have to remember that what you eat and what you do throughout the day will matter. So if you want to reap the many amazing health benefits of MCT oil, you may want to start living a healthy lifestyle and begin eating right.