Uses and Health Benefits of MCT Oil

MCT oil consists of medium-sized fat molecules and hence the name Medium chain triglycerides. The name is an acronym for the English Medium chain triglyceride. Not only does MCT oil have numerous health benefits when consumed in diets, it is also used in many external applications such as skin care and beauty products. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it also has potential applications in the home environment. And while it can also be used to make laundry detergent and hand soap, it is great for beauty treatments and home use. It can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oil diffusers, and can be applied to surfaces to prevent dust and polish of furniture. It is mixed with ash water to create homemade hand soap or laundry detergent. This article contains information on the health benefits and uses of MCT oil.

Helps Lose Weight

It can be difficult to diet and lose weight. Because finding the best diet that works is half the battle when it comes to losing weight. Adding MCT oil to the diet can help dieters lose weight and keep it off. This idea is the cornerstone of the hugely popular keto diet, which encourages dieters to get most of their calories (up to 90 percent) from this fat and avoid carbohydrates that provide energy in the form of glucose. Avoiding glucose and consuming high amounts of fat, especially Mct, causes the body to burn excess fat during the ketosis process. Studies show that when Mcts are used to replace LCTs in a person’s diet, body weight and fat decrease, especially in overweight individuals. Mcts also have a greater ability to help a person feel full and therefore consume less. In addition, they cause increased energy expenditure, which results in more calories being burned. This is another reason why Mcts are so popular for the keto diet.

May Improve Athletic Performance

MCT oil is touted as an effective performance enhancer when added to athletes’ diets. Some athletes have adopted Mct as an exercise supplement to improve their performance, reduce body fat and lose weight while increasing lean muscles. A study has determined that Mcts are effective in reducing lactate acid formation, decreasing the perceived effort of athletes and increasing endurance during high intensity exercise. More studies are needed to confirm these claims, but the results are encouraging.

May Boost Intestinal Health

Consuming MCTs not only helps with weight loss and athletic endurance, they can also aid digestion and act as a type of probiotic in the gut. MCTs can boost immunity and aid gut health, as they target harmful bacteria without destroying the good bacteria in the stomach. They have been shown to inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause diarrhea. MCTs have also been found to increase intestinal permeability and otherwise improve gastrointestinal health. This can be beneficial for people with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and gallbladder infections.

May Improve Brain Health

There are several noted links between the benefits of MCT oil and brain health. MCTs act as fuel for the central nervous system, as they can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. A study of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) found that normal AD treatments as well as MCTs in the diets of patients improved cognitive functions. Further research has also found that the ketogenic diet is effective in improving brain function through ketosis, which can inhibit impaired glucose functions that contribute to AD-induced brain impairment.

May Help Improve Behaviors in People with Autism

One study found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who ate a gluten-free ketogenic diet with MCT oil supplements had a significant improvement in certain behaviors associated with the disorder, including fear and irritability. Ten of the 15 study participants showed improvement in diet after six months. Although more research is needed, this study concluded that a modified keto diet supplemented with MCT oil may be beneficial for people with ASD.

May Prevent Seizures in Children

The keto diet has become popular in recent years as an effective diet plan to help people lose weight. The ketogenic diet was first developed in the 1920s as a way to prevent seizures in children. It has been widely used for this purpose over the past decade, but was eventually replaced by anti-epileptic drug treatments in the mid-20th century. Still, some seizure patients have been found to benefit from consuming MCTs.

May Help Prevent Cancer

Adding MCT oil to the diet can have an even greater effect on health, meaning MCTs can have a tumor suppressing property. According to a study in which human tumor cells are directly exposed to MCTs in a laboratory setting, researchers have identified a compelling anti-tumor effect. Another study in mice showed that consuming a ketogenic diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and MCTs slowed tumor growth and reduced blood flow of tumors in mice following a special diet. More research is needed in these areas, but initial findings are promising.

May Improve Diabetes-Related Risk Factors

Although some medical professionals warn that the keto diet may increase complications in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients with controlled diabetes may see the benefits of increasing their MCT intake. A study conducted on patients in China found that MCTs can have the opposite effect. The study found that subjects who added MCT oil to their diet experienced reductions in cholesterol, weight, and waist circumference. As always, it is best to see a qualified doctor before changing their diet, especially if a person has an existing medical condition.

Can Improve Skin Health with Antimicrobial Properties

Acids that make up MCTs, especially lauric acid, found in larger amounts in coconut oil, are known for their anti-microbial properties. MCT oil has been studied as an effective topical treatment for acne and other minor skin irritations. Besides its previously mentioned application as a way of reducing harmful bacteria in the gut, MCT oil has also been studied in relation to oral microorganisms. Studies have shown that fatty acids can limit the growth of some oral bacteria. Oil pulling, where oils such as coconut oil, are used as mouth rinses, has been part of the Ayurvedic Hindu tradition for thousands of years.

How is MCT Oil Used in Homemade Products?

Because it is odorless and colorless, MCT oil can be easily incorporated into their own homemade beauty products. Here are a few recommended uses for MCT oil:

• Skin moisturizer: MCT oil is a great moisturizer and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles.
• Conditioner: It can be applied as a pre-shampoo mask to improve hair health and keep it on the hair for a few minutes.
• Massage oil or personal lubricant: A safe and gentle alternative to petroleum-based gels, MCT oil works as well as massage oil.
• Natural throat drops: Half a teaspoon should be swallowed several times a day to relieve sore throat and cough.
• Make-up remover: Oil liquefies eye makeup, gently cleansing it.
• Lip balm: Can be applied to lips to moisturize and prevent chapping.
• Shaving oil: It can be applied to the skin as an alternative to shaving cream and can be used after shaving to reduce ingrown hairs and razor burn.
• After-sun sunburn medication: If too much sun exposure, MCT oil can be applied to the affected areas to promote healing and prevent peeling.
• Nail and cuticle oil: Before pushing back the cuticles, they can be moistened with MCT oil, helping prevent fungal infections.