Medium Chain Triglycerides are healthy but coconut oil is not
Is MCT oil a fad?
According to the American Heart Association the hype about coconut oil is misplaced. The beneficial component in coconut oil is medium chain triglycerides but coconut oil is not exclusively medium chain triglycerides. In my own experience with medium chain triglyceride and coconut oil I can confirm that coconut oil did raise my cholesterol level (LDL) but I can also confirm that medium chain triglycerides seems to speed up recovery and improve endurance when doing aerobic activity. In fact the effect of medium chain triglycerides seems to be immediate and pure energy boost derived from ketones rather than carbs.
For those who notice a difference when the body runs on ketones rather than on carbs you will get the benefit of feeling full and the mental clarity. Carbs provide a lasting energy but not as dense.
What is the benefit of using MCT oil?
So what is the benefit of medium chain triglycerides? If you're doing endurance exercise and you're in need of an immediate source of energy then medium chain triglycerides are that. If you are in a calorie deficit and you want to make sure you get fat in your diet then medium chain triglycerides are a source of fat which can help you in your work outs compared to most others. If you're overweight then medium chain triglycerides are not ideal. If you have a high body fat percentage then consuming more fat isn't likely to bring that down but if you're on the lower side then consuming fat can help you push through your workouts if it's this kind. I would also say if you are in ketosis or on a ketogenic diet then MCT oil is a source of energy to replace the carbs (within reason) but again only when in a calorie deficit.
More information:
MCT are from coconut oil. Coconut may cause people with heart conditions issues, but people with heart conditions should be talking to their doctor about any fat/oil in their diet.
This is a key statement that should never be overlooked. If you are on a carb restricted or ketogenic diet and your goal is to lose weight, there must be a caloric deficit.
Thank you for the post, resteemed.
I like adding MCT oil and grass fed butter into my coffee to make a "Bulletproof." If I am sauteing veggies, then I will use coconut oil.
MCT are from coconut oil. Coconut may cause people with heart conditions issues, but people with heart conditions should be talking to their doctor about any fat/oil in their diet.
This is a key statement that should never be overlooked. If you are on a carb restricted or ketogenic diet and your goal is to lose weight, there must be a caloric deficit.
Thank you for the post, resteemed.
Ultimately I learned that calorie counting (energy accounting) is necessary for control of an entity whether it be a business or a human body. So this means a calorie deficit ultimately determines if a person is going to lose or gain weight (growth vs loss).
And if a person is in a deficit then any calories they consume is being burned away from their activity. So in that state a person is going to typically feel low on energy and that is when in my experience a teaspoon or tablespoon of MCT oil can provide a nice pre-workout energy boost.
Other than that I cannot say it's something I use on a regular basis. It's the sort of thing to use right before working out so you can know you can get through the workout or right after you worked out so you can aid in recovery from a long cardio session if you're trying to preserve muscle.
There has been research showing that caloric restiction has anti-aging benefits, although a well established and controlled diet is required due to risks.
I personally fast in the morning, and will break fast with coffee or Caffè Americano with heavy cream and a teaspoon of dried MCT (coconut milk powder). The caffeine and MCT provide my both a physical and mental boost for my day, and if I don't follow my routine, it's missed.
I don't run a large caloric deficit, my dietary goal is not weight loss. I am looking for a complete diet with low carbs, high fat, and moderate protein. I have a high stress, high energy life, this is what works best for me.
Again, thank you for the great post, you consistently post great content.
This debate never gets old, I have heard so much variation, at one point it was recommended to stay away from coconut oil, there were even campaigns against it then another article came out and it all change... The debate is still quite healthy I see, its one of the oils that found its home in the Caribbean
I would say from the research I've analyzed it's not exactly a health food. At the same time it's not toxic like high fructose corn syrup or trans fats. It's a good which can be consumed once in a while but not daily because it raises LDL cholesterol and most Americans have LDL which is too high.
Americans have a problem with being obese and with having clogged arteries so the American Heart Association is giving good advice for Americans in specific. Japanese, Chinese, people in the Caribbean, they may not be dying from heart and cardiovascular illnesses at the same rate and might not have the issue with clogged arteries. It all depends on the population the message is being tailored for I think.
In general though if a person were to consume it on a daily basis it wouldn't be good if the amounts are producing a rise in LDL which is measurable on blood testing to show that LDL is above 70.
Well articulated, I am not to sure about the data for Japan or China but I know Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease are #1 cause of death and loss of mobility in the Caribbean. There is also research papers pointing at the ratio of HDL/LDL, probably ethnic background plays a role, I know for sure the data is also skewed for African Americans so lots to consider... On the lighter side of things, I still use my coconut oil in my cooking, nothing gets a pot going like coconut oil