How could MCT Oil help me achieve my weight loss goals?

Previously, I have looked at small changes which could help to support weight loss. I have also challenged the concept that weight loss is all about calories in vs calories out – stating that the most important consideration is what our body will do with the calories. Continuing along that theme I am now going to explore some of the other, maybe unexpected, ways you can help to support your weight loss goals – starting with MCT oil, a fat which could help increase fat burning and weight loss!

MCT OIL

MCT oil is advocated by diets like the ketogenic diet and is used by those following the ‘bullet proof coffee’ regime. Now, I never advocate fad or extreme diets – so I am not suggesting either of these regimes. However, adding MCT oil to a healthy, balanced diet could potentially help to support and improve weight loss. This is because, believe it or not, this oil could help to improve fat burning! ⁽¹⁾

WHAT IS MCT OIL? AND WHERE DOES MCT OIL COME FROM?

MCT Oil is sourced from coconut oil. It is made by isolating what are thought to be the most beneficial, energy producing components of this popular cooking oil.

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides, and it is a type of fat found in full fat dairy, butter and cheese. It is low in many Western diets, due to the popularity of low-fat diets to support weight loss. However, recent research has indicated that these oils may be key to fat burning, weight loss and even to brain function. ⁽²⁾

One research project into the effectiveness of MCT oil showed that men taking the product daily lost more body fat than those on the same diet who were not taking the MCT’s. Another reported that MCT oils can reduce appetite and stop the accumulation of body fat in healthy men and women. ⁽³⁾

HOW TO USE MCT OIL

The ‘bullet proof coffee’ regimen suggests adding it to coffee, alongside a big dollop of butter! Many nutritionists agree that adding MCT oil to coffee and drinking it first thing in the morning could help to boost metabolism and fat burning. What does seem unnecessary though, is the addition of the butter.

MCT oil could also be added to smoothies or protein shakes.

Obviously, adding MCT oil will increase the calorie content of whatever it is added to – but, as I have said before, it is about what your body does with these calories! MCT’s are used in energy production and fat burning, so will have a positive impact on a healthy weight loss plan.

For more on MCT Oil, visit my earlier blog: MCT Oil: Reviewing the Evidence

Written by Jenny Logan DNMed. (Jenny is a Nutritional Therapist who has worked with clients in health foods stores and private clinics for over 20 years)

References:

(1) Journal of Obesity and Research in 2013

(2) Nutrition and prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia; Front Aging Neurosci. 2014

(3) Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil; Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar.