Losing body fat and getting ripped takes determination, willpower, and discipline. People are always looking for that ‘miracle supplement’ or ‘silver bullet’ to make it easier. To tell the truth, nothing will make it easy. You’re still going to have to work hard. However, there are some tips and tricks that might help you get there faster. One such tip is to increase your intake of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) or MCT oil.
What is MCT oil?
MCT oil is a fat produced from coconut and palm kernel oil. Sometimes people just refer to it as coconut oil.
Now, before you ask, “how is increasing my fat intake going to help?” You should realize that not all fats are created equal.
Most dietary fat is made up of long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which consist of 12 to 18 carbon atoms per chain. Medium chain triglycerides, on the other hand, are shorter and consist of 6 to 10 carbon atoms per chain. Due to this difference in structure, the two fats have very different properties.
What makes MCTs useful?
Due to the reduced chain length, MCTs are absorbed and then metabolized very rapidly. They are very efficiently converted into fuel for immediate use, rather than being stored as fat. They are used for energy much faster than glucose and have more than twice the calories per gram, making them an excellent source of energy during intense exercise.
MCT oil can help you get in shape for the following reasons:
1. Improves endurance and sports performance.
2. Promotes fat burning (Thermogenesis).
3. 3. MCTs increase metabolic rate.
4. MCTs maintain muscle mass.
Is MCT oil safe?
In addition to some of the side effects mentioned above (nausea, gastric difficulties, diarrhea), there are some additional caveats about using MCT oil:
Ketone bodies are produced as a by-product of MCT metabolism, therefore MCTs are not recommended for use by diabetics.
People with liver disease should also stay away from MCTs, as MCTs are rapidly delivered to the liver and their presence can put unnecessary stress on the liver.
People with hepatic encephalopathy should not take MCTs.
Long-term use of MCTs can increase cholesterol levels.
Conclusion:
MCTs have been shown to improve endurance and athletic performance, accelerate fat burning, speed up metabolism, and maintain muscle mass.
So yes, they can be extremely beneficial in helping you achieve your sports and fitness goals, but they should not be abused as they have many potential side effects. Few studies have been conducted to determine the long-term effects of its use.
My suggestion is to use MCT oil, but use it sparingly. Don’t use it all the time. Slowly begin to discover how your body responds. Use it for a specific purpose, whether it’s to give you a boost during your toughest training sessions or when you’re in the final phases of your low-carb diet, stripping down.
As the cliché goes, ‘anything in moderation’
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered nurse, dietitian, or other health care provider. The information I have provided is based on my personal experience and extensive research on the subject. The possible risks of using any nutritional supplement should always be discussed with your doctor. For more information, please see the full Disclaimer page on my website. (lean and muscular