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.