What is the Best MCT Oil?
Do you understand all you know about MCT oil? Perhaps you read/heard you need some. But before you whip out your very important credit card and order the “Best MCT oil” from the first website you visit, let’s get educated about MCT oil.
What is MCT Oil?
MCT is the acronym for medium chain triglycerides. For example, coconut oil and dairy foods contain medium chain triglycerides. This pale yellow, transparent liquid is the ideal fat to sustain energy and enhance cognitive function. Manufacturers extract naturally occurring MCTs from palm or coconut oil and blend them into one (MCT) oil.
The number of carbon molecules determines lengths of long-chain triglycerides vs. medium-chain triglycerides. Four types of fatty acids include Caprylic Acid - eight carbons, Caproic Acid – six carbons, Lauric Acid – 12 carbons and Capric Acid – 10 carbons. The body can digest fatty acids with fewer carbons quicker. Therefore, the body does not store MCT oil as fat.
Be mindful, it is easier for the body to process shorter carbon lengths. Yet, manufacturers seldom include Caproic Acid – six carbons, because of its stench and yucky taste. Plus, it isn’t kind to the stomach.
Keto dieters use the best MCT oil as a fat resource that increases efficient ketone creation.
What are Benefits of MCT Oil?
Eating fats keep you replete longer. However, studies are appearing like spring wildflowers that validate in addition to helping you stay full, MCTs increase hormones that decrease your appetite and increase sensations of fullness. Also, they enhance your body’s metabolic rate, which results in healthy weight loss.
What a deal! Scientists at the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at McGill University determined that the MCT oil is a dynamic tool that can boost metabolism and ship your stubborn belly fat away on a one-way journey.
There is a great potential that the best MCT oil can reduce your risk of heart disease, because adding this oil to the diet can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Further, MCTs can substantially reduce C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory indicator that escalates risk of heart disease.
MCTs provide antifungal and antimicrobial results. For example, coconut oil with its prolific amount of MCTs, has been evidenced to decrease Candida albicans (the yeast that is responsible for thrush, etc.) by 25 percent. Hospitals have used MCTs to restrain the progression of a pervasive infectious fungus by 50 percent.
MCTs promote a healthy digestive tract and helps balance flora in the gut. Research is ongoing to ascertain whether MCT oil is therapeutic for gastrointestinal conditions.
When kids with autism followed a keto diet for six-months, positive progress was noted by researchers. A different study concluded by adding MCTs to a gluten-free, keto diet, autistic behaviors were significantly improved in six of the 15 (child) participants.
Research published in The Lancet Neurology found MCT oil plays a significant role in higher brain function for people who have autism, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Ketone therapy may benefit certain neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. We’re seeing caregivers report improvements resulting from MCTs, such as: depression lifted, better short-term memory, improved physical condition and revived ability to perform activities of daily living. The best MCT oil holds promise to become a shining star that enlightens the Alzheimer’s brain. However, extensive research is needed to form a definitive conclusion.
Savvy Shopping For The Best MCT Oil
Now that you have a working knowledge of MCT oil, the next step is preparation. You are likely aware that dozens of brands exist, all claiming to be the best MCT oil. Don’t you believe it!
Unscrupulous manufacturers do exist, whose main objective is to increase their bottom line. A common way to leverage their profit margin is to manufacture a second-rate product in effort to lower their expenses. You’ve witnessed it before – you find a great product – and just when you love it, the manufacturer launches a ‘new and improved’ version. Can you say low quality rip-off? Bummer!
Don’t be disappointed. The best MCT oil is obtained from coconut oil. Palm oil farming practices are typically non-sustainable and the core cause of endangered animal species and homeless people.
Therefore, when you shop for the MCT oil, ensure you select a product that is made with pure coconut oil, unless it states on the label their Palm oil is sustainably sourced. Palm oil costs less so that some manufacturers use both oils. Be suspicious if the fine print on the label reads coconut or palm oil. This translates to a little bit of coconut oil and a whole lot of palm oil. Cha-ching.
Earlier we learned about the four types of fatty acids. The best MCT oil will contain Caprylic Acid (C8) and Capric Acid (C10). Caproic Acid (C6) is not commonly part of manufacturers MCT oil formularies because of its unpleasant taste.
Pay attention to the container type. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in plastic containers, which can seep into your MCT oil and can be a health hazard. High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a resilient plastic, which was developed to weather high temperatures.
Ensure you purchase MCT oil from reputable vendors. Read consumer reviews, join a Keto community or browse Amazon and check out the comments.
Read the labels before deciding on the MCT oil for you. Watch for hidden carbohydrates in the guise of flavoring, fillers, additives, etc. Eschew products containing filler oils, starches or maltodextrin.
Trusted companies list their address, contact information and product particulars on their website.
Now…What you’ve been waiting for…the best MCT oils
Premium (Sports Research) MCT Oil
Premium MCT Oil by Sports Research is the number one best selling MCT oil carried by Amazon. This product is made solely from organic coconuts to provide energy and endurance. It contains the complete range of MCTs, plus lauric acid.
This MCT oil is Non-GMO certified, odorless and tasteless. We like to see a manufacturer who stands behind their product. If you are unhappy with the performance of Premium MCT Oil, return it within 90 days and get a refund.
Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil’s distinction is its purity and cleanliness. The manufacturer uses a threefold distillation method consisting of heat, water and pressure to ensure the purest MCT oil. This product is sourced of 100 percent coconut oil and contains Caprylic and Capric acids. It comes in a non-BPA, HDPE bottle. It is sugar free and made from non-GMO coconuts.
Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil meets the criteria for the best MCT oil.
Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit MCT Oil has 4.6 stars from the Keto community, who praise this product for curtailing carb and sugar cravings. The manufacturer calls it a “superior alternative” to coconut oil, as Onnit contains larger quantities of Caprylic and Capric Acid. Their 100 percent pure MCT Oil also contains lauric acid.
Sourced entirely from organic coconuts, it doesn’t contain Palm oil, additives, fillers or flavoring. It is non-GMO.
Left Coast MCT Oil
Left Coast MCT Oil is greatly refined and meticulously filtered for a pure, clean product that is easily digestible, with no unpleasant aftertaste. Harvested only from coconuts, this MCT oil satiates your appetite for several hours.
It is packaged in a BPA free, top-quality PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container.
Left Coast MCT Oil is a family-owned and operated company that prides themselves in shipping the MCT Oil direct to consumers. With no expenses for a middle man, they can afford to charge less for their top-quality product.
Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil
Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil is an example of what contributes to the best MCT oil. Formerly called Viva Labs, they rebranded to Viva Naturals and switched from palm oil to non-GMO, eco-friendly coconut. Tasteless and odorless, consumers say it does not leave an oily feel on their tongue. This MCT Oil is free of additives, flavors or fillers. They do not use harsh chemicals or solvents, plus VIVA is tested by an independent lab.
This is a company that is proud of their high-quality product. If you’re dissatisfied with Viva Naturals MCT Oil, take advantage of their “Pay Nothing Guarantee”. This is as good as it gets!
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated 100% Organic Coconut MCT Oil
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated 100% Organic Coconut MCT Oil is certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO and gluten free. Their slogan is “Fast fuel for Body and Brain.” Users are reporting a pleasing taste and slight scent of coconut. Garden of Life products are distinctive for having a Dr. on board. Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D., aims to make the Keto diet “easy and delicious”.
This MCT oil is made from 100 percent coconut oil and contains Caprylic Acid and Capric Acid. Keto dieters need medium-chain fatty acids to feed their brain and Garden of Life is one of the best MCT oils.
Any one of these MCT oils are suitible for your keto shopping list. These are all top rated brands and all have 4 plus star reviews.
How to Use MCT Oil
Oh, happy dance! Your MCT oil has arrived and you’re excited to start reaping its benefits. However, more is not better. Harness that excitement a minute and hear this – take too much in the beginning and expect an upset stomach, nausea, stomach cramps, etc.
Start with a teaspoon of MCT oil and take it with a meal. If you don’t experience side-effects, slowly titrate upward by adding a teaspoon daily. If your body responds well, keep increasing your dosage upward to four tablespoons daily.
Because MCT oil is odorless and tasteless, you can use it in many ways. Typically, Keto dieters begin with bulletproof coffee aka butter coffee, which eliminates cravings because it keeps you feeling full longer.
Bulletproof coffee is quick and easy. Just pour a cup of strong coffee in your blender. Add a tablespoon of the best MCT oil and a tablespoon of butter. Blend until smooth.
Bought salad dressings generally contain sugar, preservatives and additives. If you already use vinegar and oil, just use a tablespoon less of your regular oil and blend with a tablespoon of MCT oil. It will not affect the taste of your salad. You may also check the Internet for homemade salad dressings made with MCT oil.
The Best Keto Smoothies
Nothing’s better than a Keto smoothie on a summer afternoon. It’s not ice cream, but a close second. Smoothies take a minimum of effort and make a great grab-and-go breakfast. The best time for a smoothie is anytime.
Select from Keto foods to make your personalized smoothie. For example, choose liquids such as almond or cashew milk, fats like avocado or almond butter, seeds such as chia or flax, a few Keto fruits like berries i.e. raspberry, blackberry and if you prefer, greens like kale. Add a tablespoon of MCT oil and blend ingredients until smooth.
You’ll no doubt think of other innovative ways to incorporate the best MCT oil into your daily diet.
Final Thoughts
Consider yourself educated about MCT oil – what it is, its benefits and how to incorporate it into your Ketogenic diet. We’ve introduced you to six of the best MCT oil. So, pick your preference. And in Keto-speak KCKO!
