Are you curious about the health benefits of MCT oil?
You may have heard that it’s a great source of energy for athletes and bodybuilders, but did you know that it can also help to alkalize your body?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind MCT oil and its impact on your body’s pH levels.
We’ll also compare MCT oil to coconut oil, which is often touted as a healthy alternative.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of MCT oil and its alkalizing properties.
Is MCT Oil Alkaline?
First, let’s define what we mean by “alkaline.” The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with a range of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline.
MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and is composed of medium-chain triglycerides, such as capric acid and caprylic acid. These MCTs are known for their ability to provide quick energy to the body and promote weight loss.
While MCT oil itself is not alkaline, it can help to alkalize the body by eliminating harmful acids. When the body becomes too acidic, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including inflammation, digestive problems, and even cancer. By consuming MCT oil, you may be able to help your body maintain a more balanced pH level.
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in oils like coconut and palm oil. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCT), MCT molecules are smaller and easier to digest. When consumed, MCTs are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into energy that the body can use. MCT oil is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase energy, reduce body fat, and improve gut health. It has also been found to have potential benefits for managing certain neurological conditions, fighting bacterial growth, and protecting the heart. MCT oil is typically extracted from coconut oil because it contains more than 50% of MCTs. The oil contains four different types of MCTs, but caprylic and capric acid are the most commonly used for MCT oil due to their unique benefits. While coconut oil itself contains MCTs, it also contains longer-chain triglycerides that can be stored as fat in the body. Pure MCT oil, on the other hand, is made in a lab by combining medium-chain triglycerides from coconut and palm oil. Consuming MCT oil can provide a quick source of clean fuel for the body and brain without adding unnecessary sugar or processed ingredients.
The Science Behind Alkalizing Your Body
The alkaline diet is based on the principle that maintaining a balanced pH level in the body is essential for good health. The diet focuses on consuming foods that are considered alkaline or have an alkalizing effect on the body, while avoiding foods that are considered acidic.
The acid ash hypothesis posits that protein and grain foods, with a low potassium intake, produce a diet acid load, net acid excretion (NAE), increased urine calcium, and release of calcium from the skeleton, leading to osteoporosis. The alkaline diet aims to prevent this from happening by carefully taking food pH levels into consideration in an attempt to limit dietary acid intake.
Although some experts might not totally agree with this statement, nearly all agree that human life requires a very tightly controlled pH level of the blood of about 7.365–7.4. If the body becomes too acidic, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including inflammation, digestive problems, and even cancer.
MCTs have been linked to lower cholesterol levels in both animal and human studies. Consuming MCT-rich foods like coconut oil may support healthy cholesterol levels. Improvements in cholesterol and antioxidant levels may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease in the long term.
While MCT oil itself is not alkaline, it can help to alkalize the body by eliminating harmful acids. Coconut oil contains large quantities of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils, such as capric acid and caprylic acid. These MCTs are known for their ability to provide quick energy to the body and promote weight loss.
How MCT Oil Can Help Alkalize Your Body
MCT oil contains large quantities of capric acid and caprylic acid, which are medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are rapidly absorbed by the body and quickly metabolized as fuel, providing instant energy to organs and muscles. This means that MCT oil is not stored as fat, but rather utilized for immediate energy production.
Furthermore, MCT oil can help to eliminate harmful acids from the body. This is because when MCTs are metabolized, they produce ketones, which are a type of acid that can help to neutralize other harmful acids in the body. By reducing the amount of harmful acids in the body, MCT oil can help to promote a more alkaline environment.
It’s important to note that while coconut oil also contains medium-chain fatty acids, it is not as effective at promoting alkalinity as MCT oil. This is because coconut oil contains mostly lauric acid, which does not act like true MCT oils in the body. Lauric acid is harder to digest and does not provide fast-acting ketone energy production like capric acid and caprylic acid do.
Comparing MCT Oil To Coconut Oil
MCT oil and coconut oil are two popular oils that are often compared to each other. While both oils are sourced from coconuts, they have different compositions and properties.
MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides, while coconut oil contains both medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides, as well as unsaturated fats. MCT oil is made by extracting the MCTs from coconut or palm kernel oil, while coconut oil is made by pressing the meat of the coconut.
In terms of their health benefits, MCT oil is often preferred for weight loss and energy-boosting purposes due to its high concentration of MCTs. On the other hand, coconut oil is often used for cooking and beauty applications due to its high smoke point and moisturizing properties.
When it comes to their alkalinity, both oils are not considered alkaline on their own. However, as mentioned earlier, consuming MCT oil can help to alkalize the body by eliminating harmful acids. Coconut oil may also have some alkalizing effects due to its high lauric acid content, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may help to balance gut bacteria.
Other Health Benefits Of MCT Oil
Apart from its potential to alkalize the body, MCT oil has been associated with several other health benefits. One of the most notable benefits is its ability to promote weight loss. MCTs are metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides, which means they are less likely to be stored as fat in the body. Additionally, MCTs may help to increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake.
MCT oil may also have a positive effect on heart health. Studies have shown that MCTs can help to lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
For those with neurological conditions, MCT oil may offer some relief. Some studies have suggested that MCTs can improve cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Additionally, MCTs may be beneficial for those with epilepsy, as they can help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
MCT oil may also have antimicrobial properties, which means it can help to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. This can be especially beneficial for those with digestive issues or compromised immune systems.
How To Incorporate MCT Oil Into Your Diet
Now that we know the potential benefits of MCT oil, let’s explore how to incorporate it into your diet. MCT oil is odorless and flavorless, making it easy to mix into a variety of foods and beverages. Here are some creative ways to add MCT oil to your daily diet:
1. Add it to your morning coffee: Start your day with a boost of energy by adding MCT oil to your morning coffee. Simply blend a tablespoon of MCT oil with your coffee and enjoy the benefits of sustained energy throughout the day.
2. Use it in salad dressings: Create a delicious and healthy salad dressing by mixing MCT oil with vinegar or lemon juice, along with your favorite herbs and spices.
3. Blend it into smoothies: Add MCT oil to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra boost of healthy fat. This can help you feel fuller for longer and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
4. Use it in baking: Replace other oils in baking recipes with MCT oil for a healthier alternative. This works especially well in recipes that require low heat, such as brownies or muffins.
5. Mix it with nut butter: Create a delicious and healthy snack by mixing MCT oil with your favorite nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter. Spread it on toast or use it as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
Remember to start with a small amount of MCT oil and gradually increase your intake as needed. It’s also important to note that while MCT oil can provide numerous health benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your diet.
