{"id":3183,"date":"2022-02-11T18:09:44","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T18:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.go-keto.com\/?page_id=3183"},"modified":"2024-02-18T13:36:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T13:36:49","slug":"what-is-mct-oil-and-how-it-helps-you-in-your-keto-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.go-keto.com\/en\/academy\/what-is-mct-oil-and-how-it-helps-you-in-your-keto-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"What is MCT oil and how it helps you in your keto journey?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you follow a keto diet, it is very important that you take good, healthy fats. After all, they are your primary source of energy! When we look at the healthy fats, you often hear the term \u2018MCT\u2019 passing by. You can get it in oil form, but also as a powder. You often see it processed in other products, such as energy bars and keto snacks.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what exactly is it? And why is MCT an indispensable part of the keto diet? In this article we answer all possible questions and give you the tools you need in the field of MCT.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MCT: What is it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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1.<\/strong> MCT is a form of fat.<\/strong> You\u2019ve probably heard of saturated and unsaturated fats, but you can also divide fats into short-chain, medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides, or medium chain fatty acids. As the word \u2018medium\u2019 indicates, the chains of the fatty acids are medium in length, which in normal human language\u00a0 means that they are digested more quickly and easily by the body<\/strong>. This allows you to quickly and effectively get the most energy from these fats.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> MCTs can be found in various natural sources<\/strong> such as palm oil and dairy products, but are mainly found in coconut oil. More than 50% of the fats in coconut oil consists of MCTs.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now of course you can consume a lot of dairy products or coconut oil to get it, but a better idea is to use\u202fMCT oil<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. This has everything to do with a much higher concentration of MCT.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect in a keto diet<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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The ultimate goal of a keto diet is that your body burns your fat reserves instead of the carbohydrates you normally take in. This process can be much more stable by including MCT oil in your keto diet.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • The easy digestibility<\/strong> ensures that the MCTs are delivered directly to the liver. Here the substances can be immediately transformed into ketones<\/strong>.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • These ketones are then immediately converted into energy for your brain. This is because the ketones can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This process is also called ketosis and is an important part of your metabolism.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This explains why taking MCT oil before exercise can ensure that fat instead of carbohydrates is used to create energy. So you generally need fewer carbohydrates for your energy, which of course fits perfectly within a\u202fketogenic diet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    MCT Oil Ratios<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    MCT oil consists of different acids, the most effective and common composition is a blend of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). The lower the number, the shorter the chain of the fatty acids and the faster it is digested in your body.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Coconut oil consists for the most part of lauric acid (C12), even though this officially falls under the medium-chain fatty acids, your body digests it as a long-chain fatty acid (LCT). MCT oil that consists of 60% C8 and 40% C10 contains all the good properties of MCTs that you need and is therefore more effective than pure coconut oil.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Usage<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    How do you incorporate MCT oil in your daily diet? To benefit from the positive effects, a dose of about 10 ml is enough, which equates to a small tablespoon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Good quality MCT oil is tasteless and liquid, perfect for adding a dash to your smoothie, salad or even coffee! You can also use it for baking, for example. Note: it is better not to heat above 120 degrees. A selection of the possibilities:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Add MCT oil to coffee and other hot drinks<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    By adding it to your morning drink, you are not only assured of your intake of healthy fats, but it gives your body and brain the ultimate energy to start the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    2. Add it to your keto smoothies.<\/span><\/b>
    \n<\/span>Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT oil to your daily smoothie for a boost of healthy fats and ketones.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Use it in your keto condiments, dressings and sauces<\/span><\/b>
    \n<\/span>Add it to your favorite keto dressings, condiments and sauces. Use a tablespoon or 2 in your dressing, or mix with olive oil, for example, depending on the consistency and flavor you want.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Add MCT Oil to your shakes before and \/ or after your workout.<\/span><\/b>
    \n<\/span>Supplementing your pre or post workout meal with a tablespoon of MCT oil can improve your performance, stamina and recovery. MCT oil as a pre-workout supplement can be great for people who are just\u202fstarting the keto diet\u202fand who feel less energized than usual during their workouts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Because MCT oil provides an energetic body and mind, it is wise to take it in the morning or during the day, so that you do not lie awake too long.<\/span><\/p>\n

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