The Benefits of MCT Oil: Not All Fats Are Created Equal! (Part 2)

What We Know As Fat. Fats are made up of fatty acids. The size of each fatty acid depends on its carbon chain length. Whether saturated or unsaturated, most long chain triglycerides (LCTs) act as the building blocks of body fat. Due to their long 14-24-carbon length, the body recognizes long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) as an efficient storage fuel source. As a result, the body deposits LCFAs as fat tissue until blood glucose levels are depleted.

The Other Fat. Due to the shorter length of its fatty acids (8-12-carbon length), the body views medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) as an inefficient energy source that isn’t suitable for fat storage. To the body, singular medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) actually resemble carbohydrates and are metabolized immediately instead of being deposited as fat.

Standing Strong. Being 100% saturated fats, MCTs do not contain any carbon double bonds – maximizing the carrying capacity of hydrogen atoms. This makes them extremely stable and resistant to oxidation and free radical formation, thereby reducing the aging process (another one of the benefits of mct oil!)

References:

Fife, B. (2004). The Coconut Oil Miracle. New York: Avery.

Thampan, P. K. (1994). Facts and fallacies about coconut oil. Jakarta: Asian and Pacific Coconut Community.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Kyle is a National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is currently working towards completing his Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification and plans on attaining his Master’s in Exercise Physiology in the near future. At the age of 22, Kyle has worked with and constructed specific training programs for top high school and Division I, II, and III male and female collegiate athletes.

If you have any questions, want more information, need more convincing, or would like help creating a workout plan please don’t hesitate to email me at kyle@mctlean.com!