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All About MCT oil

Taking care of your health and following the wellness trends is becoming cool in the age of millennials. As a result, people are more inclined to use health and wellness supplements like cannabidiol (CBD) oil and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about MCT oil.  

What is MCT? 

Foods like coconut oil, whole milk, palm kernel oil, butter are rich with MCTs, a type of fat. Our body metabolizes MCTs differently than it metabolizes long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which is also a common fat found in several foods. Triglyceride is basically a technical term for fat, and they are named after their chemical structure, particularly the length of chains of their fatty acids. Triglycerides contain three fatty acids, along with a molecule of glycerol. They have two major purposes; serve as body fat or to produce energy. MCTs contain around 6-12 carbon atoms and have four major types: 

  • C6: hexanoic acid or caproic acid 
  • C8: octanoic acid or caprylic acid 
  • C10: decanoic acid or capric acid 
  • C12: dodecanoic acid or lauric acid 

What is MCT oil? 

MCT oil is highly concentrated with medium-chain triglycerides. It is regarded as a health supplement and is considered to provide several potential health benefits. MCT oil is made through a process called fractionation, which involves extracting and isolating MCTs from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. Most MCT oil usually contains 100% C10 capric acid or 100% C8 caprylic acid, but there is a variant of MCT that contains a combination of both C10 and C8. MCT oils usually don’t contain C6 caproic acid because of its unpleasant smell and taste and C12 lauric acid is either present in small amounts or isn’t included at all. Manufacturers are actively using MCT oil as the carrier for CBD oil. The MCT oil allows larger concentrations of CBD to enter the bloodstream and helps prevent the digestive system from degrading the CBD.  

What are the Benefits of MCT oil? 

MCT oil is considered to provide several health benefits, including: 

Weight Loss 

The research about the role of MCT oil for weight loss provides mixed results but suggests that it may be effective for reducing weight. According to a study, MCTs and LCTs increases the levels of leptin and peptide YY, both of which make you feel full and help reduce appetite. A study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that MCTs are more effective for burning and reducing fat than LCTs, but the effects may disappear after two or three weeks as the body gets used to MCTs. Another study suggests that MCTs have 10% fewer calories than LCTs, which means that it has lower energy density. Another study suggests that our body digests and absorbs MCTs more quickly and use it as a source of energy instead of storing it as body fat. Studies using both animal and human subjects report that MCTs can increase the rate at which our body burns calories and fat.  

Cholesterol 

Multiple animal and human studies link MCTs with lower cholesterol levels. According to an animal study, MCTs increase the excretion of bile acids and help reduce cholesterol levels. Another animal study suggests that virgin coconut oil increases antioxidant levels and improves cholesterol levels. A human study suggests that a combination of a low-calorie diet and coconut oil reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Some studies, however, report that MCT doesn’t affect cholesterol levels in any way. 

Diabetes 

There are multiple studies that suggest MCTs may lower blood sugar levels. According to a study, an MCT rich diet increases insulin sensitivity in patients of type 2 diabetes. A study of 40 overweight patients with type 2 diabetes reports that MCTs, along with traditional medication, decrease the risk of diabetes, reduces insulin resistance, body weight, and waist circumference. An animal study reports that MCT oil protects against inflammation and insulin resistance.  

Brain function 

MCTs produce an alternative energy source for the brain known as ketones and may enhance the brain function in people consuming ketogenic diets. MCTs’ role in preventing or reducing the symptoms of brain disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, is becoming a topic of interest for research. According to a study, MCT improves memory, learning, and brain function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This effect, however, only appeared in patients without the variant of the APOE4 gene. It is important to note that the sample size of all these studies was relatively small, so we need more studies to be sure about the health benefits of MCT oil. 

Dosage and Side Effects of MCT oil 

We currently do not know the defined tolerable upper intake level (UL) of MCT oil. However, a dosage of 60-100 mL or 4-7 tablespoons is considered to be the maximum daily dose. A majority of studies support using 15–74 mL or 1-5 tablespoons of MCT oil, but currently, it’s not clear which dose provides the most benefits. Thankfully, no adverse side effects or negative interactions have been reported; however, some minor side effects may occur after using MCT oil. These side effects may include: 

  • Diarrhea 
  • Nausea 
  • Upset stomach 
  • Vomiting  

    Last Word 

    MCT oil is generally considered to be safe and provides a ton of benefits; that’s why it is becoming the base ingredient in CBD oil. Before you start using MCT oil or CBD oil, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out if it is safe for you. Also, don’t buy cheap, low-grade MCT oil because it may contain elements that aren’t particularly beneficial for your health. 

    MCT Carrier is pretty commonly used across a lot of different CBD oils. It offers a lot of unique benefits and is a staple part of many ingredient lists. CBT MCT Oil offers all of the benefits that we have discussed of both CBD and MCT and becomes something of a dream. Check it out!

    MCT and CBD Oil: How Do They Go Together?

    If you are a natural health product enthusiast, then you must go for CBD MCT oil. It is a mixture of CBD and MCT, two organic elements that offer may several health benefits when combined together. In this article, we discuss how these compounds go along well.  

    What is CBD?  

    One of the primary cannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no intoxicating effects meaning that it does not get you high. After the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, the consumption of CBD became legal in most of the 50 states of America. CBD is a popular compound that may help treat numerous health conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, and inflammation. Given CBD’s increased popularity, it is available in several forms, including lotions, tinctures, candies, creams, and gummies. So, CBD consumers can enjoy it in multiple ways.  

    What is MCT Oil?  

    MCT (Medium-chain Triglycerides) is a man-made saturated fatty acid. Pure MCT is prepared in the lab by combining medium-chain triglycerides extracted from palm oil or coconut oil. Both palm oil and coconut oil are consumed in the process as they contain MCT and long-chain triglycerides (LCT) 

    It is essential to know that MCTs are more potent than LCTs. MCTs contain 6-12 carbon atoms and have four major types, including:  

    • C6: hexanoic acid or caproic acid 
    • C8: octanoic acid or caprylic acid 
    • C10: decanoic acid or capric acid 
    • C12: dodecanoic acid or lauric acid 

      The lengths of both LCTs and MCTs are directly proportional to the number of carbon molecules that are attached. MCTs are more effective as they contain 6-12 carbon molecules; therefore, they are digested quickly and are a cleaner source of energy for the body. It provides enough power to the body without adding any unnecessary processed or sugar ingredients. On the other hand, LCTs consist of 12-14 carbon molecules. Therefore, they take longer to digest and are stored as fat during the metabolization. People prefer to use MCTs as they are easily digestible and may be beneficial for one’s health.  

      Role of MCT Oils in CBD Products  

      Most people prefer to use CBD in pills form as it is the easiest consumption method, but it is not the most effective. That’s because the CBD compound must pass through the liver and digestive system before entering into the bloodstream. Therefore, CBD takes longer to get absorbed, and there may be less amount of the compound left during the digestive process. When taken CBD supplement, the ingredients are absorbed into the digestive system, and the compounds break down into the stomach are absorbed by the small intestine before finally making it to the liver. The liver is the part where you typically lose CBD, and only 4% to 20% of CBD will reach the bloodstream.  

      That’s when MCT oil comes to the rescue. The MCT oil works as a carrier oil for CBD so that more of the compound can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The carrier oil helps CBD avoid metabolizing quickly, so more CBD can reach the bloodstream. As CBD is a fat-soluble compound, it is highly beneficial when consumed with saturated fats, like MCT oil. In simple words, MCT lets a higher concentration of CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream so it can start working faster.  

      Health Benefits of CBD MCT Oil  

      May Boost Energy   

      CBD MCT oil is a more potent compound that can easily be absorbed into the digestive system. Since it doesn’t have to break down, it may help provide a rich source of immediate energy. 

      May Reduce Pain  

      A human body is healthy when all the bodily functions are performed regularly, including the immune system and sleep. CBD MCT oil may help decrease chronic pain associated with the endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system that controls pain relief. 

      May Decrease Anxiety and Depression  

      People use pharmaceutical drugs to reduce anxiety and depression; however, it is not always safe for everyone as these medicines can cause side effects. CBD MCT oil, on the other hand, could be a potent natural option for treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, and improving mood swings.  

      Control Sugar Levels  

      Diabetic individuals may benefit from CBD MCT oil as it may help reduce fat storage by burning fat quickly. It may be useful for people with type 2 diabetes as CBD MCT oil may help balance insulin levels and weight.  

      Side Effects of CBD MCT oil 

      Thankfully, no adverse side effects or negative interactions have been reported; however, some minor side effects may occur after using CBD MCT oil. These side effects may include: 

      • Diarrhea 
      • Nausea 
      • Upset stomach 
      • Vomiting  

        Where to Buy CBD?  

        If you are looking for the original and high-quality CBD productsNature Blend is the platform to trust. They provide 100% natural, CO2 extracted, and clinically tested CBD products to help you and your pets cure multiple health conditions. 

        Last Word 

        MCT oil is generally considered to be safe and potentially provides a ton of benefits; that’s why it is becoming the base ingredient in CBD oil. Before you start using MCT CBD oil, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out if it is safe for you. Also, don’t buy cheap, low-grade MCT oil because it may contain elements that aren’t particularly beneficial for your health.  

        Why MCT oil is the best CBD carrier oil

        The carrier oil in cannabidiol (CBD) oil helps deliver the active component to the body. Carrier oils are usually derived from a plant and somewhat dilute the effects of the active component. Among all the carrier oils used in CBD oil, MCT oil is probably the best and, in this blog, we’ll tell you why! 

        What is MCT oil? 

        Medium-chain triglyceride, or MCT, is a type of fat that is fairly common in foods like palm kernel oil, coconut oil, butter, and whole milk. MCT oil contains a high concentration of MCTs and prepared by the fractionation process. There are four main types of MCTs, C6 hexanoic acid or caproic acid, C8 octanoic acid or caprylic acid, C10 decanoic acid or capric acid, and C12 dodecanoic acid or lauric acid. A majority of MCT oils usually only contain C10 capric acid or C8 caprylic acid; however, there are a few types that contain a mixture of both C10 and C8. The C12 dodecanoic acid or lauric acid is either present in a small quantity or isn’t present in MCT oil at all. The C6 caproic acid, due to its unpleasant taste and smell, isn’t included in MCT oil. 

        What are the benefits of MCT oil? 

        There are several potential benefits of MCT oil: 

        May help with weight loss 

        Research about MCT’s role for weight loss provides mixed results but suggests that it may be effective. A study published in the National Institute of Health suggests that MCTs and LCTs (long-chain triglycerides) increase leptin and peptide YY levels; both hormones help reduce appetite and make you feel full. Another National Library of Medicine study concludes that when compared with LCTs, MCTs are more effective for reducing and burning fat. The study also suggests that these effects may disappear once your body gets used to MCT oil. MCTs have lower energy density and have 10% fewer calories than LCTs, suggests a study by the Journal of Lipid Research. Another study by the same journal suggests that our body absorbs and digests MCTs more quickly and instead of storing it as body fat, it uses it as a source of energy. Studies also suggest that MCTs increase the rate at which our body burns fat and calories.  

        May help manage cholesterol 

        MCTs have been linked to lower cholesterol levels by multiple human and animal studies. A study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that MCT helps reduce cholesterol levels by increasing bile acids’ secretion. Virgin coconut oil, which is full of MCTs, improves cholesterol levels by increasing antioxidant levels in our body, suggests an animal study published in the National Library of Medicine. A randomized controlled trial reports that coconut oil, along with a low-calorie diet, can help reduce LDL levels (a type of bad cholesterol) and increases the levels of HDL (a type of good cholesterol). There are a few studies; however, that suggests MCT doesn’t have any effect on cholesterol levels.  

        Could possibly support patients of diabetes 

        According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, patients with type 2 diabetes may be able to increase insulin sensitivity by following an MCT rich diet. Another study of type 2 diabetes patients suggests that MCTs and traditional diabetes medicine reduce insulin resistance, decrease the risk of diabetes, and waist circumference. Another study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that MCT oil protects against insulin resistance and inflammation.   

        May improve brain function 

        MCT oil produces ketones, which is an alternative energy source for the brain and helps enhance the brain function in people strictly following a ketogenic diet. Several studies are reviewing the role of MCT in reducing or preventing the symptoms of various neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. A study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that MCTs support and improve brain function, memory, and learning in Alzheimer’s patients. These effects usually appear in people that don’t have the APOE4 gene.  

        How do MCT oil and CBD go together? 

        As mentioned earlier, a carrier oil helps deliver the active compound to the body, in this case, CBD. MCT oil enhances the way our body metabolizes CBD and allows more CBD to reach the bloodstream. MCT oil prevents CBD from metabolizing too quickly and since CBD is fat-soluble, it becomes more effective when MCT oil is the carrier oil. Not just that, MCT oil allows CBD to reach the bloodstream more quickly and provide more long-lasting effects.  

        Takeaway 

        Manufacturers use all kinds of carrier oil to make CBD oil, however, MCT oil is the best of all. It has its own benefits and when combined with CBD, these benefits become even more enhanced.