At Shortcut Keto we love MCT oil and include this in our diets every day. Knowing when to take MCT oil however, is important.
You want to get the most benefit out of taking MCT oil that is specific to your goals.
This includes using MCT oil for weight loss, cognitive effects or ketone production by your body.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT Oil (short for medium chain triglycerides) is a type of fat that is easily absorbed by your body.
Your body absorbs MCT oil direct from the digestive system into the liver. The liver then converts the MCT’s to ketones for use by your body.
Medium chain triglycerides are derived from coconuts and palm kernels. Medium chain triglycerides have a shorter carbon chain than other types of fats.
The short nature of the carbon chain allows MCT oil to be metabolized at a faster rate. In this way, MCT oils are far less likely to be stored as fat, in comparison to longer chain triglycerides.
Instead, the oil is burned immediately thus providing a lasting source of energy which is useful in various situations such as intense training or during periods of fasting.
How to Use MCT Oil
MCT Oil comes in various forms. You can take MCT oil capsules as a supplement, mix MCT oil powder into keto shakes or smoothies, or add MCT oil (in the oil form) to your coffee, tea or food you eat.
MCT Oil can also be taken multiple times a day, up to a maximum dose of 4 tablespoons per day.
If you are just getting started with MCT oil it is best to start with a small dose and build up.
Some people have experienced MCT oil side effects such as diarrhea. This can happen if you take too much MCT Oil at once and your body isn’t used to it.
Associated Reading: Why Does MCT Oil Cause Diarrhea? The Explosive Truth!
How To Use MCT Oil for Weight Loss
MCT Oil is has less calories than longer chain triglycerides. By replacing other dietary fats or longer chain triglycerides with MCT Oil you will instantly reduce your calories and increase your fat burning potential.
Another benefit of MCT Oil is it keeps you feeling fuller for longer. This, in turn, may help with a period of fasting, or avoiding consuming extra calories through snacking.
MCT Oil may also help to boost your metabolism. As we discussed above, medium chain triglycerides are absorbed directly into the liver and converted to ketones for use by the body.
MCT’s don’t have to go through the long, drawn out process of being filtered through the lymphatic system then into your blood before they reach the liver, as long chain triglycerides do.
MCT Oil in Coffee
MCT Oil is a wonderful addition to your morning coffee and this is how we start our day, everyday, here at Shortcut Keto.
Even if you’re not following the ketogenic diet, adding a good quality MCT oil to your morning coffee gives your brain a boost and keeps any hunger pangs at bay right through morning tea.
If you haven’t had MCT oil in your coffee before, start with adding one teaspoon. Gradually build up to one tablespoon of MCT oil per cup of coffee.
For some delicious keto coffee or bulletproof coffee recipes, take a look at our blog post – What is a Keto Coffee Bomb?
MCT Oil Before Bed
It is a common misconception that you shouldn’t take MCT Oil before bed. This isn’t true. MCT oil is perfectly safe to take before bed and can have a positive effect on sleep.
MCT Oil also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. If I am ever feeling a bit off, I will increase my intake of MCT Oil before bed and let it work its magic overnight.
If you’re having trouble with insomnia whilst on the ketogenic diet, Bulletproof make an evening supplement which is a combination of MCT Oil, melatonin and L-Ornithine (a wonderful stress buster).
Cooking With MCT Oil
It is important to note that MCT Oil should not be heated above 320 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Instead of using MCT oil for frying your steak, make a delicious herb butter to go on top using MCT oil.
MCT oil also makes a wonderful salad dressing.
There are some delicious recipes on the Bulletproof website using MCT oil. What we love about Bulletproof MCT oil is it is flavorless.
Also, if you’re not a fan of the stronger flavor of olive oil, you can combine MCT oil with olive oil to tone down the taste. You can also replace the olive oil with MCT oil if you prefer.
How to Use MCT Oil Whilst Intermittent Fasting
MCT oil is regularly used during intermittent fasting to help extend the fast.
We we’ve written an in depth post on how to use MCT oil during intermittent fasting which you can read here.
This post discusses the reasons to use MCT oil during intermittent fasting as well as how to use MCT oil so you don’t break your fast.
MCT Oil Before a Workout
Finally, MCT Oil is great to use prior to a session at the gym or endurance events.
Since MCT oil is burned directly and quickly to produce significant outbursts of energy, you are likely to have increased stamina and performance if you use MCT oil 20 to 30 minutes before a workout.
What is the Best MCT Oil?
There are numerous MCT oils on the market today. We recommend choosing an MCT Oil that is entirely C8 Oil (caprylic acid), or a mixture of C8 and C10 medium chain triglycerides.
Personally, I like to use entirely C8 MCT Oil. This is the most readily available medium chain triglyceride that is aborbed easily by the body.
Liquid MCT oils are also a favorite for quick absorption and multipurpose uses, such as butters, salad dressings and mixed into keto shakes and keto coffee.
It is important to choose a good quality MCT oil, to get the best results. I have found that cheaper MCT oils can have a slight flavor that takes a little getting used to.
Less expensive MCT Oils can also be a combination of all 4 medium chain triglycerides, that is, C6, C8, C10 and C12. The longer the chain, the longer it takes for your body to process and convert to ketones.
MCT Oils such as those by Bulletproof, Onnit and Perfect Keto may be a little pricier than other oils that you can buy at Walmart or Amazon, but in my opinion, it is worth paying more money for clean, pure oils with no flavor.
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