Why MCT oil is our new superfood hero
Boost energy, increase metabolism and add healthy fats to your diet
Text: Anna A
We’ve had blueberries, kale and avocado, and now it’s time to give props to Singapore’s latest superfood — MCTs, or to give them their scientific (and less catchy) name, medium-chain triglycerides.
MCTs are healthy fats found in foods such as dairy products like whole milk (9%) or butter (8%) and, most commonly, coconut oil (55%). MCT oil usually contains either a combination of caprylic acid and capric acid, or 100% concentration of one of them.
Shorter than their long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) cousins, 95% of MCTs are digested into your bloodstream more quickly and are a source of clean fuel for both the brain and the body.
1. Boost your metabolism, curb your appetite
The body can digest fat faster and at a higher burn rate. When medium-chain triglycerides break down, they release certain compounds that enhance fat burning, and this gives you a faster metabolism. MCT oil also controls our appetite as it reduces the production of hormones that make us want to overeat.
Use with caution though, as MCT oil is a pure form of fat and so it is very calorific — one tablespoon equates to 100 calories.
In a study by American doctors Karen Mumme (PGDipSc) and Welma Stonehouse (PhD), each adult from 13 random controlled trials showed that medium-chain triglycerides, as compared to LCTs (long-chain triglyceride — keep up!), reduced body weight more efficiently by breaking down total body fat and visceral fat.
2. Supercharge your workout
MCT oil is a super fuel and can increase your energy. It can be easily absorbed without being broken down, and are transported swiftly into your bloodstream, acting as an immediate source of energy.
This unique absorption ensures that it is less likely to be stored as body fat compared to other long-chain fats, such as those found in most animal and vegetable oils like olive or macadamia oil.
MCT oil can also increase your performance when exercising as it improves your energy and endurance.
3. Help diabetes
Did you know that Singapore has a record number of diabetics diagnosed every year? It’s estimated that annually 19,000 people are diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with one million diabetics expected by 2050.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that reduces the rate at which your body processes blood glucose (aka blood sugar) after ingestion. MCT oil has been shown to help diabetics as it reduces fat storage and increases fat burning.
Sold? So are we!
Plant-based MCT oil is available from a number several outlets including Scoop, Little Farms, Dr MCT or Nature’s Way.
