On a dreary weekday morning, who wouldn’t want to feel bulletproof? Fans of the bulletproof coffee trend claim their morning ritual helps them feel focused and alert -- and they credit one special ingredient with the transformation: MCT oil.
What is MCT oil?
Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, provide the body with a steady boost of energy, without extra sugar or processed ingredients. That’s why MCT oil is an important component of bulletproof coffee, a popular breakfast replacement on the ketogenic diet: MCT oil keeps you full without compromising nutrition.
But what exactly is MCT oil? The supplement is actually a manufactured form of saturated fat, extracted from palm and coconut oil. Classified by its primary acid component, MCT oil comes in four forms: C6 (caproic acid), C8 (caprylic acid), C10 (capric acid) and C12 (lauric acid). Bulletproof’s popular Brain Octane Oil, used in its bulletproof coffee concoction, takes the form of C8.
The benefits of MCT oil
Doctors have long known about the power of MCT oil to heal damaged digestive tracts and control childhood seizures. But newer research suggests MCTs may have benefits for the average person as well -- especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.
When compared with long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), adults consuming MCTs had lower body weights, less subcutaneous fat and smaller waist-to-hip ratios. Believers also report benefits like improved digestion and boosted energy throughout the day, though more research is needed to support some of these claims.
How to use MCT oil
Of course, the best way to determine if MCT oil does what it promises is to try it for yourself! Experts recommend consuming MCT oil plain, without heating it, for maximum benefits. However, if you’re intimidated by MCT oil (although it’s clear and flavorless), you can always try the original bulletproof coffee recipe by blending:
8-12 oz. brewed coffee
1-2 tsp grass-fed ghee
½ - 2 tbsp MCT oil
To choose the perfect MCT oil, look for a blend of palm and coconut oils with no added ingredients, and avoid anything that calls itself a “coconut derivative.” Start with ½ tbsp servings and work your way up to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Brands we love....
$19.99, NOW Foods
$24.95, Bulletproof
$24.62, iHerb