Shedding body fat and getting ripped takes determination, willpower and discipline. People are always looking for that ‘miracle supplement’, or ‘silver bullet’ to make it easier. Truth be told, nothing will make it easy. You are still going to have to work your butt off. However, there are a few tips and tricks that could help get you there quicker. One such tip is increasing your intake of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) or MCT oil.
What is MCT oil?
MCT oil is a fat produced from coconut oil and palm kernels. Sometimes people just refer to it as coconut oil.
Now before you ask, “how is increasing my fat intake going to help?” you need to realize that not all fats are created equal.
Most dietary fat is made up of Long Chain Triglycerides (LCT’s), consisting of 12-18 carbon atoms per chain. Medium Chain Triglycerides on the other hand are shorter, consisting of 6-10 carbon atoms per chain. Because of this difference in structure, the two fats have vastly different properties.
What makes MCTs useful?
Due to the reduced chain length, MCTs are absorbed and then metabolized very rapidly. They are very efficiently converted into fuel for immediate use, instead of being stored as fat. They are used as energy much faster than glucose and have over twice the calories per gram, making them an excellent energy source during intense exercise.
MCT oil can help you get in shape for the following reasons:
1. It improves endurance and athletic performance.
2. It promotes fat burning (Thermogenesis).
3. 3. MCTs increase metabolic rate.
4. MCTs maintain muscle mass.
Is MCT Oil Safe?
In addition to some of the side effects mentioned above (nausea, gastric difficulties, diarrhea), there are some further warnings about using MCT oil:
Ketone bodies are produced as a by-product of MCT metabolism, so the use of MCT’s by diabetics is not recommended.
People with liver disease should also stay away from MCTs, as MCTs are rapidly delivered to the liver and their presence can put unnecessary stress on the liver.
People with hepatic encephalopathy, should not take MCT.
Extended use of MCTs may increase cholesterol levels.
Conclusion:
MCTs have been shown to improve endurance and athletic performance, accelerate fat burning, speed up your metabolism and maintain muscle mass.
So yes, they can be extremely beneficial in helping you achieve your fitness and athletic goals, but they are not to be abused as there are many potential side-effects. Few studies have been conducted to determine the long-term effects of their use.
My suggestion is to use MCT oil, but use it sparingly. Don’t use it all the time. Start slowly to figure out how your body responds to it. Use it for a specific purpose, to either provide you with a boost during your hardest training sessions or when you’re in the final phases of your low-carb diet, getting ripped.
As the cliche’ goes, ‘anything in moderation’
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, registered nurse, dietician or other healthcare provider. The information I have provided is based on my personal experience and thorough studies on the subject matter. The possible risks of using any nutritional supplement should always be discussed with your doctor. For more information, please see the full Disclaimer page on my website. ( Lean and Muscular
