What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is derived from coconut and palm oil; its moniker stands for "medium-chain triglycerides," which are naturally occurring fatty acids. They're easily digested, rapidly used as energy, and metabolized quickly in the liver without being stored as fat. Unsurprisingly, MCT oil has been found to support fat-burning as well as weight management. Athletes commonly use it to enhance body composition (burning fat while building more muscle).
MCT Oil Versus Coconut Oil: What's The Difference?
MCT oil is derived from coconut (and palm) oil. Coconut oil contains about 60% medium-chain fatty acids, while these make up 100% of MCT oil. The latter is like a very concentrated version of the former — about six times stronger, but without the coconut flavor (MCT is virtually tasteless). If you do want a flavored option, however, check out my Be Well MCT Oil; it tastes like a piña colada!
How Do You Use It?
Perhaps the most popular way to consume MCT oil is in Bulletproof Coffee — some people call it "rocket fuel" because it can give you so much sustained energy. To make it, blend one tablespoon of MCT oil and one tablespoon of grass-fed butter into your cup of Joe. You can also use MCT oil in your morning smoothie for a supercharged breakfast, or in sauces and salad dressings when you need a neutral-tasting oil. You can even cook with it (at temperatures below 320 degrees Fahrenheit, mind you).
How Much Should I Use?
Start with one teaspoon and work your way up to a tablespoon. Too much MCT at once has been known to cause some digestive distress.