Are you considering adding MCT oil to your diet?
While this supplement has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, there are concerns about its impact on blood pressure.
Excessive consumption of MCT oil may lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and even heart disease.
But what about its effect on blood pressure?
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between MCT oil and high blood pressure and what the current research has to say.
So, if you’re curious about whether MCT oil can cause high blood pressure, keep reading!
Can MCT Oil Cause High Blood Pressure?
The short answer is that there is no clear evidence that MCT oil causes high blood pressure.
However, it’s important to note that excessive consumption of MCT oil can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for high blood pressure. Additionally, MCT oil is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, saturated fat intake should be no more than 5-6% of your total daily calories. Each tablespoon of MCT oil contains 7 grams of saturated fat, so it’s important to use it sparingly and monitor your overall saturated fat intake.
That being said, some studies have actually suggested that MCT oil may have a positive impact on blood pressure. One small study found that consuming MCT oil for 12 weeks led to a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight men.
Another study found that MCT oil consumption did not have detrimental effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors, after taking into consideration body weight. In fact, the study suggested that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) do not seem to confer adverse health effects on cardiovascular health.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between MCT oil and blood pressure. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues.
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a type of dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of fat. These molecules are smaller than those found in most of the fats we eat, making them easier to digest and absorb into the bloodstream quickly. This quick absorption turns MCT oil into energy that our bodies can use.
MCT oil is often used as a weight loss aid, as it has been shown to increase calorie burning and help with appetite control. However, it’s important to use MCT oil sparingly, as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for high blood pressure.
MCT oil is also high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It’s recommended that saturated fat intake be no more than 5-6% of your total daily calories, and each tablespoon of MCT oil contains 7 grams of saturated fat.
While some studies suggest that MCT oil may have a positive impact on blood pressure, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues.
The Potential Health Benefits Of MCT Oil
MCT oil has been shown to have potential health benefits, particularly in regards to weight loss and heart health. One study of 24 overweight men found that taking MCT oil combined with phytosterols and flaxseed oil for 29 days reduced total cholesterol by 12.5%. Additionally, the same study found better reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol when the MCT oil mixture was added to their diet. Moreover, MCT oil could help increase the production of heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol.
MCT oil has also been found to help reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease. One study showed that it significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker that increases the risk for heart disease. Additional older studies found that MCT-oil-based mixtures can have a positive effect on other heart disease risk factors, as well.
Furthermore, MCT oil may have potential benefits for those with certain medical conditions. For example, studies show that a high-fat ketogenic diet that uses MCT instead of LCT may be easier for children with epilepsy who don’t react well to drug treatment. Additionally, MCT oil in the diet can help lower LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol while also increasing HDL (the “good”) cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
It’s important to note, however, that excessive consumption of MCT oil can lead to high cholesterol, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Therefore, it’s recommended to use it sparingly and monitor overall saturated fat intake. As with any supplement or dietary change, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding MCT oil to your diet.
Can MCT Oil Lead To Weight Gain And High Cholesterol?
While MCT oil has been touted as a potential weight loss aid, excessive consumption can actually lead to weight gain and obesity. MCT oil is high in calories, and consuming too much of it can cause you to exceed your daily calorie needs. Additionally, MCT oil is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of high cholesterol.
Studies have shown that MCT oil intake does not significantly affect total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels, but it can cause a small increase in triglycerides. It’s important to note that triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
While some studies have suggested that MCT oil may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It’s important to use MCT oil in moderation and to monitor your overall saturated fat intake. If you have a history of high cholesterol or other cardiovascular issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.
MCT Oil And Diabetes
MCT oil has been studied for its potential benefits in managing obesity-related prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). These conditions are associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and morbidity.
Research has shown that medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) have potentially beneficial anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties. MCTs contribute less insulinotropic signaling compared to long chain fatty acids (LCFAs), and are associated with reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity.
Studies have also suggested that MCT oil supplementation can lead to reduced triglycerides, greater weight loss, fat loss, and improvement in insulin sensitivity. However, the long-term metabolic effects of MCT under isocaloric conditions remain unclear, and studies have varied widely in study populations and protocols.
It’s important to note that MCTs compose only a minor fraction of the dietary intake of most people, and that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of MCT oil for diabetes management. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have a history of diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
MCT Oil And Obesity
MCT oil has been shown to have potential benefits for weight management, with some studies suggesting that it may help reduce body weight and waist circumference. MCT oil has also been shown to increase the release of hormones that promote the feeling of fullness in the body, which can lead to consuming fewer calories overall. Additionally, MCT oil has about 10% fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
However, it’s important to use MCT oil sparingly and monitor overall saturated fat intake, as excessive consumption could lead to weight gain and obesity – both of which are risk factors for high blood pressure. It’s also important to note that some studies have shown conflicting results when it comes to the impact of MCT oil on weight management, and more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy.
MCT Oil And Heart Disease
MCT oil has been linked to potential benefits for heart health. A keto diet that includes MCT oil can help with weight loss, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, MCT oil has been shown to lower LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (the “good”) cholesterol levels.
However, it’s important to note that MCT oil is high in saturated fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 5-6% of your total daily calories. Each tablespoon of MCT oil contains 7 grams of saturated fat, so it’s important to use it in moderation and monitor your overall saturated fat intake.
That being said, some studies have suggested that MCT oil may have protective effects against heart disease. One study found that a diet high in MCT oil improved insulin resistance and reduced inflammation in overweight individuals, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Another study found that consuming MCT oil as part of a weight loss program improved lipid profile and other metabolic risk factors such as glucose, insulin, and blood pressure in overweight men and women.
