What Is MCT Oil?

MCT oil is a medium-chain triglyceride fat that occur naturally in foods such as milk, butter, cheese, and vegetable oils. It is composed of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached and exists as a pale to colorless liquid with a light odor.

MCTs are synthesized from pure coconut oil or palm oil since both sources are rich in MCTs. It was first used in the mid-1900s to reduce seizures in addition to a ketogenic diet, however, it later became popular among athletes as a substitute for normal dietary fats that would be obtained through dairy products.

What makes MCTs unique is that although it is a fat, it does not cause weight gain due to stimulation of thermogenesis. This means that MCTs are less likely to be stored as fat because the body can metabolize it quickly.

MCT Oil Conventional Versus Certified Organic MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil)

The key difference between MCT Oil Conventional and MCT Oil Coconut Based is the varying ratios of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid as well as the raw source from which MCT oil is synthesized. MCT Oil Conventional (Regular), as sold at Lab Alley, is sourced from palm kernel oil with a 60/40 split of C8 and C10 while the MCT Oil Coconut based contains a fraction of the whole coconut with a 70/40 split of C8 and C10 respectively.

How Organic MCT Oil Is Made

MCT oil is produced via fractionation, a process in which caprylic and capric acid is extracted from the raw source such as coconut or palm oil. MCTs then undergo lipase esterification to yield triglycerides. The lipase is then filtered out and the oil undergoes deacidification, bleaching, and deodorizing. Although MCT oil is produced in a lab, it contains entirely natural fats.

Although MCT oil typically contains caprylic acid, C8, capric acid, C10, or a varying ratio of both. Capric and caprylic acid are valuable in MCT oil because they are readily absorbed and processed in the body versus other fatty acids.

MCT Oil Health Benefits

MCT oil has a variety of uses from health benefits, botanical oil infusions, to medicinal plant tinctures. The carbon chains and varying ratios of it, contribute to the various benefits and applications of MCT oil. The large ratio of caprylic and capric acid give rise to the properties in MCTs that allow the body to quickly burn fat. Because MCTs contain fewer calories and are burned rapidly by the body, it is less likely to be stored as fat therefore maintaining healthy weight loss. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals on a ketogenic diet as MCTs produce ketones which helps maintain a state of ketosis.

MCTs also improve digestive health and aid in digestion by killing harmful bacteria without affecting the good bacteria in the stomach. While eating whole foods can introduce MCT into a diet, foods only contains a small percentage of MCTs in comparison to MCT oil and may have a larger ratio of lauric acid which can slow metabolism. A great way to institute more MCT oil into a diet and thereby reaping the benefits of the caprylic and capric acids would be to supplement pure MCT oil into meals.

Consumers can purchase 99% pure MCT Oil that is food grade, USDA Certified Organic Coconut oil here. Due to the high purity of MCT oil sold by Lab Alley, consumers do not need to ingest a large amount to take advantage of the health benefits compared to eating whole foods that contain MCTs. MCT oil can be incorporated into coffee, smoothies, salad dressings, sauces, homemade energy bars, and other meals without affecting the end taste.

MCT Oil For Natural and Organic Skin Care

Manufacturers of natural and organic skin care products would likely benefit from adding MCT oil into their cosmetics line as the oil is great for adding moisture to the skin and can be incorporated into lotions, lip balms, and creams. MCT oil contains a percentage of lauric acid which has anti-microbial properties to prevent bacteria buildup that can cause acne. Additionally, since MCT oil is colorless, odorless, and not harsh on the skin, it is great for those with sensitive skin.

MCT oil also serves as a great carrier oil for botanical oil infusions and medicinal plant tinctures because the body readily converts MCTs into ketones, fat is burned instead of stored allowing the body to disperse the medicinal plant efficiently. Tinctures that are made using carrier oils should be of high purity and grade that is natural and safe for consumption.

Since the component in medicinal plants are attracted to oil, suspending it in an oil base allows the body to utilize the natural health benefits. While other edible oils can be used, some oils on the market can reduce the amount of tincture the body can absorb thereby lowering the effects. Tinctures produced with MCT oil maximize product absorption since the body readily digests and utilizes the oil thus, it is advantageous to choose MCT oil as a carrier oil. Lab Alley offers MCT oil that is organic and safe for consumption.

Where To Buy MCT Oil

MCT Oil USDA Certified Organic Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Conventional (Regular) can be ordered online at LabAlley.com. These high purity, specially formulated products ordered from Lab Alley are used by professional and hobbyists alike to make skincare items or to utilize its health benefits.

Additionally, MCT Oil Coconut Based is certified as USP/FCC grade, and can be purchased here. The Food Chemical Codex (F.C.C) is a standard used to verify the characteristics and purity of food ingredients and was assumed by USP, a nonprofit science based organization with a purpose of setting public standards for safety and quality. All of the products mentioned here can be purchased through LabAlley.com or by phone 512-668-9918.