Dec 09, 2016

Can MCT Oil Help Burn Fat and Lose Weight?

MCT oil, stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides. It’s a form of saturated fat that comes from sources like coconut or palm oil.

You must be thinking, did you just say saturated fat?? For weight loss??!!

YES, absolutely. Let me explain how this works in the body. Unlike most fats, which require bile from the gallbladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas, MCTs diffuse through the intestines and go directly to the liver to be converted to ketones. They then circulate in the bloodstream and even cross to the brain and are rapidly used for energy rather than being stores as fat.

Therefore, one of the first immediate things you will notice with MCT, is an increase in energy. However, from a weight loss perspective, here are some of the benefits studies have demonstrated with the use of MCT:

• MCT increases metabolic rate and can therefore reduce stored body fat
• It can help the body burn fat and produce ketones, meaning you can experience similar benefits to the ketogenic diet, without the major carb restrictions
• MCT can help reduce appetite and make you feel fuller, hence helping lower your caloric intake
• Other great health benefits include better memory and moods by being a fuel for the brain, improving digestion by balancing gut bacteria and having antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties

If you are eager to start taking MCT, which you can find at most health food stores as well as at our clinic, my only word of caution is to make sure you star low and go slow. Begin with 1 tsp and over 2-3 weeks build your tolerance up to 2 Tablespoons. Taking too much at once can cause abdominal cramping or discomfort. You can take it on its own or add it to your coffee or tea. You need to consume it for at least 2-3 months to notice shifts in body fat composition

So, does this mean that taking MCT oil alone will get you to shed pounds? I wish it was that easy, but that’s not the case. MCT is not a miracle worker but it can certainly help accelerate your weight loss efforts if a good diet and other factors are in place.

While it doesn’t hurt to add it to your daily routine, even for the energy boost, if you are struggling to lose weight, you may need a more comprehensive plan.

Interested in learning if MCT oil is right for you? Join my webinar “Learning to Listen to Your Body”  by signing up here.

Dr. Inna Lokshin, ND and IHH Certified Practitioner.

Note: This blog provides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed health care worker.