Is MCT oil really good for any of the things it claims to be?

1. 81

   beagrieposted 8 years ago

   Is MCT oil really good for any of the things it claims to be?
   
   I've seen it claimed that MCT Oil can help with weight loss, concentration, certain health issues, and more. I've seen legitimate doctors claim they use the stuff (implying they believe there's a benefit), but whenever I read up on it I never feel convinced. Admittedly I haven't read any scientific papers on the matter, but does anyone know if there is hard evidence behind this supplement? Or, failing that, does anyone have anecdotal experience of it working (or not working) for them?
   
   

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2. 38

   AnsahDposted 8 years ago

   I want to say that as an African in Ghana one of the nutritional oils  MCT Oil, can help with weight loss, concentration, certain health issues, and much more
   I prefer it to others oils. No side effects.. I recommend it to any body,,
   you can try it for yourself too...

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3. 43

   ChristinSposted 8 years ago

   I use it all the time for oil pulling (for the teeth and gums)  and in my homemade skin/haircare products and we eat foods prepared in raw, organic coconut oil (best source for MCT's) and yes, there are benefits. 
   
   My skin, hair and teeth have never been healthier, I am 42 and have no wrinkles on my face, my hair is full, shiny and not thinning, and I've reversed gum inflammation and whitened/strengthed my teeth by oil pulling.
   
   I use coconut oil (raw, organic not processed) in cooking and when you do it gives food good flavor and texture, particularly stir fry veggies .  you stay full longer and over time (so long as you cut out junk foods) the MCT's in coconut oil give you a nice, balanced overall energy throughout the day without the spikes/crashes associated with eating heavy carbs etc.
   
   I have something with MCT's every morning and it's most helpful for keeping me focused and not drained.  If I eat cereal or something for breakfast in a couple of hours I'm sluggish and distracted.  If I have a cup of coffee and a spoonful of oil, I'm good all morning until lunch.
   
   You have to purchase reputable products as with anything, but absolutely MCT's have benefits.

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   1. 81

      beagrieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting, I've not heard of oil pulling. Something for me to look into. I got some Bulletproof MCT oil to try it out but I'm yet to crack the seal and, seeing as I'm new here, I thought I'd ask around. Thanks for the information!

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4. 60

   fpherj48posted 8 years ago

   Christin.....You have given the best recommendation for coconut oil!  I had read some info a while back and looked into what it's all about, but you've actually encouraged me to go to the health store and purchase some.
   I recently thought I could use a supplement to increase my energy levels.
   Thanks so much for this information.  Remind me to let you know whether I notice a difference!!   Paula

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   1. 43

      ChristinSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You may want to order online it's often much less expensive and you can check other people's experience with those particular brands.  Good luck.

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5. 60

   Priti Bhatiaposted 8 years ago

   Medium chain triglycerides or MCT are the saturated fatty acids with the glycerol as a base component along with three fatty acids. The most common fatty acids found in MCT are
   
   1 Caprioic acid
   
   2 Caprylic acid
   
   3 Capric acid
   
   4 Lauric acid
   
   What make these fatty acids so special-
   
   Generally all the fats are categorized into three types
   
   Short chain fatty acids
   Medium chain fatty acids-
   Long chain fatty acids.
   
   MCT’s are digested and absorbed easily than LCT’s. Though coconut oil is also a source of MCT contains 60-65% of MCT.
   
   MCT oil
   
   MCT oil is man made oil , made from the process of extracting MCT from the natural sources like coconut and palm kernel. The fact is that coconut is rich in lauric acid. It contains 50% of lauric acid.
   
   But most of these lack lauric acid. But is abundant in capric and caprylic acid.
   
   MCT Oil as a source of energy- Due to medium chain they are easily metabolized and quickly used as a source of fuel in the body.
   
   They are easily absorbed due to the fact that they do not require carnitine as a carrier and hence they can enter inside the mitochondrial membrane without it too.
   
   Provides energy during immediate requirement like in major surgeries, sports requirements, slow growth, high intensity workout.
   
   Improves mental performance, ability to think clearly - It produces ketones, and ketones and glucose are the energy sources for brain.
   
   Helps in weight loss- As per few studies , MCT oil has shown thermogenic effect so it increases metabolism in the body and is not stored in the body as fat.
   
   It has hypoglycemic effects also, and is found to maintain blood sugar levels.
   
   Increases immune functions- It is gut friendly fat, fights against harmful bacteria,viruses in the system. It has been found to be useful in autoimmune diseases.
   
   Used in medical problems - due to it’s ability to get absorbed easily in the system as it does not require any hydrolysis ,it is required in patients of malabsorption, digestive disturbances, Crohn’s diesease, post surgery, short bowel syndrome,Epilepsy etc.
   
   Used in parenteral formula’s post surgery and milk formula’s for pre mature infants
   
   Food sources that contain MCT
   
   Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel oil,Cheese, milk n products
   
   Use in Various ways of MCT Oil
   
   Home made Mayonnaise, peanut butter,Salad Dressing,Cooking/ Baking
   
   
   Nutritional Value -1 tbsp serving of a MCT oil contains 100 calories with 14 gm of fat.

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