Is MCT oil a fad?
According to the American Heart Association the hype about coconut oil is misplaced. The beneficial component in coconut oil is medium chain triglycerides but coconut oil is not exclusively medium chain triglycerides. In my own experience with medium chain triglyceride and coconut oil I can confirm that coconut oil did raise my cholesterol level (LDL) but I can also confirm that medium chain triglycerides seems to speed up recovery and improve endurance when doing aerobic activity. In fact the effect of medium chain triglycerides seems to be immediate and pure energy boost derived from ketones rather than carbs.
For those who notice a difference when the body runs on ketones rather than on carbs you will get the benefit of feeling full and the mental clarity. Carbs provide a lasting energy but not as dense.
What is the benefit of using MCT oil?
So what is the benefit of medium chain triglycerides? If you're doing endurance exercise and you're in need of an immediate source of energy then medium chain triglycerides are that. If you are in a calorie deficit and you want to make sure you get fat in your diet then medium chain triglycerides are a source of fat which can help you in your work outs compared to most others. If you're overweight then medium chain triglycerides are not ideal. If you have a high body fat percentage then consuming more fat isn't likely to bring that down but if you're on the lower side then consuming fat can help you push through your workouts if it's this kind. I would also say if you are in ketosis or on a ketogenic diet then MCT oil is a source of energy to replace the carbs (within reason) but again only when in a calorie deficit.
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