Hey, keto enthusiast—want to know how you can get the most c8 MCT oil benefits from the supplement you’ve chosen to support your keto lifestyle? Knowing the answers to these five top questions can build momentum for your keto lifestyle.
You don’t want to make a mistake.
Spending money on supplements that won’t work or that might damage your body isn’t what you’re here for. The focus on c8 MCT oils is fairly new, so it’s hard to find good data.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with this article. By the time you’re done reading, you should have all the information you need to use your c8 MCT oil safely and effectively.
Question 1: What are the specific c8 MCT oil benefits that I need to pay attention to?
How MCTs work to benefit ketosis
MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are fats with shorter carbon chains than much of the fat included in mainstream culture foods. They’re pulled quickly from the digestive tract and sent to the liver, where they’re converted to ketones or used immediately for energy.
MCT oil supplements are created from foods like coconut oil and palm kernel oil that are high in MCTs. However, not all MCT oils have equal benefits for keto.
Pay attention to the type of MCTs in your oil supplement
Here’s why: there are four main types of MCTs, and some of them are more effective at converting into ketones than others.
- Lauric acid is technically a medium-chain triglyceride, but it can digest more like a long-chain triglyceride. This means it’s less effective at converting into ketones.
- Caproic Acid (c6) has six carbon atoms. It has an unpleasant odor (think gingko trees) and has been known to cause digestive issues even in small amounts.(1,2)
- Caprylic Acid (c8) has eight carbon atoms. It converts easily into ketones without the overpowering side effects of caproic acid.
- Capric Acid (c10) has ten carbon atoms in its carbon chain. Because it’s a little longer than the others, it doesn’t form ketones as easily.
Now that you know a little bit about the MCT oils, you can see why top MCT oil supplements focus on providing c8 MCT oil benefits.
The specific benefits you’ll be focusing on are your c8 MCT oil supplement’s ability to convert into ketones quickly without being too hard on your digestive tract. It works best if you always choose MCT oils that are high in c8 and lower in the other MCTs.
Question 2: How much should I take to get the most c8 MCT oil benefits from my supplement?
Take it easy. If you take too much of an MCT oil at once without adjusting to it, you might experience stomach cramps or diarrhea. Start with about half a teaspoon a day.
Many people on keto diets supplement with MCT oils with one tablespoon, twice a day. Four to seven tablespoons is a maximum safe dose for avoiding intestinal distress—but it would take some time to work up to that amount.(3)
The most important considerations are to read the recommended dosages on your supplement and to listen to your body. If it’s hard on you, step back and try a lower dose for a while.
Question 3: How do the c8 MCT oil benefits help with weight loss on a ketogenic diet?
There are quite a few ways that MCT oils can help improve weight loss.
- MCTs are less likely to be stored as fat than long-chain triglycerides are(4)
- They’re easily burned as fuel
- MCTs can actually suppress fat collection in the body(5)
- They can suppress your appetite(6)
Question 4: How can c8 MCT oil benefits help with brain function?
The ketogenic diet was developed to help people with epilepsy control their seizures. It makes sense that MCT oils that convert quickly into ketones can help, as well.(7)
There are also some studies showing MCTs might be helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease. They might also be helpful for Parkinson’s’ Disease and other neurological disorders.(8)
Autism is another area where MCTs might be helpful. Supplementing a gluten-free and ketogenic diet with MCTs improved autism behaviors in about two thirds of children in a small study.(9)
Autism generally improved while children were on a ketogenic diet. Supplementing with MCT oils might enhance those gains.(10)
Although much of the research is still in its infancy, MCT promises hope for improving overall brain and cognitive health. Many good MCT oil supplements like Left Coast MCT oil and Mickey T™ Eight™ MCT oil contain at least 56 percent caprylic acid.
Question 5: Can c8 MCT oil benefits outweigh the risks?
MCT oils were studied as part of a weight loss plan where they were compared to olive oil, with the question of whether MCT oils could adversely affect metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The study suggested that MCT oils could safely be used as part of a heathy weight loss program.(11)
People with type 1 diabetes might be better off avoiding MCT oils because they can be at risk for developing ketoacidosis.
Ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when blood ketone levels are too high. This very rarely happens in other instances. You can avoid most problems, possibly including keto flu, by staying hydrated and keeping your electrolytes balanced.
Conclusion:
Overall, c8 MCT oil benefits can have far-reaching positive impacts on you if you’re trying to lose weight, want to improve your outcomes on a ketogenic diet, or want to avoid brain fog.
If you haven’t found an MCT oil with a high amount of caprylic acid, you might want to try Left Coast MCT oil or Mickey T™ Eight™ MCT oil to help achieve these benefits.
Now that you know the ins and outs of c8 MCT oil benefits, you can put your supplement to work for you and reach your goals more effectively.
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