The Marvelous Benefits of MCT Oil
MCT oil is made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides. MCT molecules are smaller than those in most of the fats you eat which are long-chain triglycerides or LCT. The smallness of MCT molecules makes them easier to digest and allows you to absorb MCT in your bloodstream quickly.
MCT oil is most commonly extracted from coconut oil, as more than 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs.
Science-Based Benefits of MCT Oil
This article from Healthline covers the top science-based benefits of MCT oil.
Weight-loss support: MCT oil may support weight loss by increasing fullness, fat loss, ketone production, and by improving your gut environment. More research is needed to determine its efficacy.
Energy source: MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy or can be converted into ketones.
Reduce lactate build-up in athletes: MCT oil could potentially increase fat burning and reduce the need for carbs during exercise. However, it’s unclear whether this translates to improved exercise performance.
Help manage epilepsy, autism, Alzheimer's disease: MCT oil may improve brain function, which could have benefits for people with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism.
Fight yeast and bacterial growth: MCT oil contains fatty acids that have been shown to reduce the growth of yeast and bacteria. Overall, MCTs may have a variety of antimicrobial and antifungal effects, though more research is needed.
Reduce risk factors for heart disease: MCT oil may help reduce heart disease risk factors such as weight, cholesterol, and inflammation.
Help manager blood sugar levels: MCT oil could potentially help manage diabetes by reducing fat storage and increasing fat burning. It may also help manage blood sugar.
Read more about the science-based evidence for the above benefits here.
Ever heard about or wondered why athletes and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts put MCT in their coffee? Learn more here.
Why Coconut Oil is the Perfect Carrier Oil for CBD
Because of it's saturated fat content, coconut oil is an excellent carrier oil for CBD. On a molecular basis, cannabinoids work better and are absorbed more efficiently in oil with a higher lipid content. Coconut oil contains up to 90% saturated fat as opposed to olive oil (14% fat content) and hemp seed oil (11% fate content.
These lipids (aka fats) come in forms of either medium-chained or long-chained triglycerides and the body transports each type differently through biochemical transporters. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) absorb and break down quickly. Long-chained triglycerides require certain enzymes to help absorption and breakdown.
Coconut oil is one of the only natural oils that has a high content of MCTs. And, because it has more saturated fat, it can break down and carry more CBD molecules, allowing it to deliver more cannabidiol to our cells for absorption. Essentially, the research indicates that CBD carried in a high-fat oil (such as pure MCT oil or coconut oil), gives your the maximum possible absorption.
You may be wondering, but isn't saturated fat bad for me? Since the saturated fat content of coconut oil largely comprises medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), you don't need to be concerned about it clogging up your arteries.
As you’ve likely heard, lipids that are “bad fat,” stick to artery walls and don’t break down easily, so they just sit there and accumulate. “Good fats,” on the other hand, absorb easily…directly through the intestinal wall. One such type of fat is MCTs, like those in coconut oil.
MCT Oil and Intestinal Lymphatic Transport
This is called intestinal lymphatic transport and it’s important because it means the CBD is transported through the intestinal walls rather than passing through the entire digestive system. If CBD travels through the entire digestive system, it enters the liver which metabolizes it into smaller components making the CBD less efficacious in its therapeutic or pain-relieving potential. However, since MCT rich oil such as coconut oil can absorb directly through the intestinal walls rather than being broken down in the liver, it can maximize the bioavailability of CBD.
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