Coconut oil could easily be considered a "super food" for all of its wonderful nutritional qualities and delightful creamy taste - not to mention its high heat-point which makes it ideal for cooking, because unlike other oils, it won't go rancid.
As time has gone on, nutritional science has been intrigued to explore the exact properties that make pure coconut oil so nutritionally rich and potent as a natural fuel source.
And from this research, it has discovered that certain components known as MCT's (Medium Chain Triglycerides) are particularly useful, because they're readily absorbed into the blood stream and converted into energy as a very clean fuel source.
MCT's are fatty acids.
And the word “medium” refers to the chain length of these fatty acids, which are shorter and more easily digested than the longer chain fatty acids found in most other foods.
The four main scientifically identified "fatty acids" found in coconut oil which make up around 50% of the total fat content, include:
- Caproic Acid (C6)
- Caprylic Acid (C8)
- Capric Acid (C10)
- Lauric Acid (C12)
All four of these fatty acids are widely acknowledged as having incredible health benefits.
However, Lauric Acid, which is the component in regular coconut oil that causes it to "harden" or "set", is most notably absent from MCT oil due to a separation process called “fractionation”.
The reason for separating out the Lauric Acid is to speed up how the nutrients are metabolised by the body.
It means that when MCT’s are consumed, they bypass the digestive system and go directly to the liver, where they are then quickly converted into energy.
On the other hand, Lauric Acid, as is found in whole pure coconut oil, is broken down first in the small intestine.
In a nutshell, MCT Oil has a 100% concentration of the two most efficient MCT’s:
- C8 - Caprylic Acid
- C10 - Capric Acid
These are used for energy, whereas regular coconut oil is naturally made up of only 55% of these in terms of overall composition.
Here is a quick reference table that highlights the main differences between MCT oil and coconut oil.
MCT Oil Versus Coconut Oil
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|
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Proportion of MCTs |
100% |
55% |
|
MCTs Present & Proportions |
20-50% Capric Acid & 50-80% Caprylic Acid |
76% Lauric Acid. 22% Capric, Caprylic & Caproic Acid Combined |
|
Metabolisation |
The Capric & Caprylic Acids go straight to the liver & rapidly metabolised into ketones. |
Due to the Lauric Acid content, the digestion & conversion to energy is slower. |
|
Appearance & Characteristics |
Clear, tasteless & remains a liquid at room temperature. |
Solidifies & whitens at room temperature. Has a distinctive smell & flavour. |
So is MCT Oil Better Than Coconut Oil?
The short answer is "no" - they each have separate purposes.
Whilst regular coconut oil is perhaps more versatile from a dietary and personal care use perspective, MCT Oil definitely has its place, particularly if you're looking to optimise your physical and mental performance.
MCT Oil is often consumed in tandem with black coffee and organic grass-fed dairy butter or coconut butter (i.e. commonly known as Magic Bullet Coffee) to add creaminess and taste.
Benefits & Uses Of MCT Oil
If boosting your energy, physical performance and managing your weight are part of your goals, then incorporating pure MCT Oil into your diet is definitely worth considering thanks to its renowned characteristics.
You can consume it in the following ways:
- Add it to raw smoothies
- Add a teaspoon to your morning organic black coffee
- Prepare a Magic Bullet Coffee by also adding a teaspoon of dairy butter or coconut butter
- Drizzle it over salads with lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Lean more in MCT Coconut Oil: What’s All The Fuss About?
Benefits & Uses Of Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a natural saturated fat that actually provides a long list of health benefits.
It is very rich in healthy cholesterol (HDL) which helps to wipe out bad (LDL) cholesterol, promoting a healthy heart and reducing your risk of heart dis-ease.
The Lauric Acid contained in Coconut Oil is a known bacteria fighter and natural antibiotic that can soothe urinary tract and kidney infections, and reduce complaints like candida, stomach ulcers and irritable bowel complaints.
Coconut Oil reduces oxidative stress in the body and is loaded with many anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, when both ingested and/or applied topically.
This is why natural medicine regularly incorporates and recommends pure Coconut Oil to assist and support relief from a wide variety of health challenges such as:
- Abscesses
- Gingivitis
- Skin infections and inflammation
- Gum disease
- Thrush and genital viruses
- Nappy rash
- Colds, flu & bronchitis
- Athlete's foot
- Ulcers
Additionally, Coconut Oil is powerful for reducing cellulite and boosting collagen production, memory and brain function, energy and endurance.
To help support your cellular and immune function, it's a great idea to include raw coconut oil in your regular self care routine.
Handy Hint: Coconut Oil is can be an excellent fuel source when you're feeling ill, depleted or suffering from a fever in place of regular food, because of its potent anti-bacterial properties and smooth, easy taste.
Consume 1 Tablespoon, 3 times per day (or drizzle over fresh vegetables and sprinkle with sea salt).
Coconut Oil is also one of the best oils for cooking, baking and frying due its very high heat point, meaning that unlike other oils which should not be used for cooking, it doesn't turn rancid.
Other uses for Coconut Oil include:
- Pre and Post sun skin nourishment
- As a basic daily moisturiser
- Dental Oral Care - use as a quick mouth rinse or try "Oil Pulling" (the ancient Ayurvedic technique to remove bacteria from the mouth. Swish a tablespoon in your mouth for 10-15 minutes, 3 times per week to avoid tooth decay and gum disease)
- Adding to toothpowder to make a 'paste'.
Learn more in The Amazing Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
The Main Takeaway
Whilst MCT oil is essentially "fractionated" coconut oil both regular coconut oil and MCT oil serve slightly different purposes when it comes to your diet and general use-case, as part of your everyday self care.
Whether you embrace one or both, the most important thing is to be sure to only buy from trusted sources that are pure and free or additives and preservatives.
At the very least, regular, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil should be a staple product in every health conscious home.
You'll find both the purest coconut oil and MCT oil products in our store here at Tolmanselfcare.com
Tolman Self Care.
