Does MCT Oil Break a Fast? Everything You Need to Know About MCT Oil!
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MCT oil is a hot topic in the health and fitness world right now. Some people swear by it, while others are convinced that it’s a scam. So what is it, and does MCT oil break a fast? In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about MCT oil!
Does MCT Oil Break a Fast?
There is some debate as to whether or not MCT oil actually breaks a fast. While MCT oil does contain calories, it is absorbed differently than other types of fat.
Additionally, MCT oil doesn’t stimulate insulin production in the body, which means that it shouldn’t impact the body’s fat-burning capabilities.
Ultimately, whether or not MCT oil breaks a fast comes down to personal preference. Some people believe that as long as MCT oil doesn’t stimulate insulin production, it doesn’t technically break a fast.
Others believe that any calorie intake during a fast will interrupt the process. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what works best for them.
If you’re looking for my personal take, I fall into the camp that it DOES, in fact, break a fast because I believe any caloric intake breaks a fast.
What Is Fasting?
Before we dive further into the MCT Oil info, let’s talk about what fasting is.
Fasting is an ancient practice that has been observed by many cultures and religions for centuries.
Although fasting has been practiced for centuries and has been done traditionally for religious or spiritual reasons, it has recently gained popularity as a way to improve health.
When you fast, you abstain from food and drink for a set period of time, which can range from 12 hours to several days.
Fasting gives your digestive system a break and allows your body to focus on other processes, such as cell repair and detoxification.
While fasting, the ONLY thing you should consume is water. Anything that contains calories will break your fast. This is why I say that MCT Oils DO break a fast.
Intermittent fasting, which involves alternating periods of fasting and eating, is especially beneficial for weight loss and blood sugar control.
However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before embarking on a fasting protocol, as certain health conditions can make fasting unsafe.
When done correctly, fasting can be an extremely effective way to improve your overall health.
Related Article: Intermittent Fasting On Keto
What are the benefits of fasting?
There are many benefits of fasting, both for physical and mental health.
Fasting can help to:
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Boost brain function.
- Promote weight loss
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve mood
- Improve overall health
In fact, fasting is often used as a tool to help people recover from mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
There are many benefits of fasting for both body and mind. If you are looking to improve your health in a natural way, then consider giving fasting a try.
What is MCT oil and where does it come from?
MCT oil is a “medium chain triglyceride” which is derived from coconut oil.
Triglycerides consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. The majority of fat in your diet is made up long-chain fatty acids, which contain 13–21 carbons.
Short chains have fewer than 6 carbon atoms while medium chain has 6 -12 leaving them with different properties that make them more soluble for use as an energy source by the body
MCTs are metabolized differently than other types of fat and are absorbed and used by the body for immediate energy.
Unlike other oils, MCTs go straight to your liver, where they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones.
Fun fact, MCT’s have even been shown to reverse steatosis (a.k.a. fatty liver)!
This makes MCTs a healthy, easily accessible, and efficient source of energy.
What are the benefits of MCT oil
Mct oil provides a host of health benefits.
It’s been shown to:
- Boost weight loss
- Improve mental clarity
- Increase athletic performance.
MCT oil is also a great source for producing ketones, which are an alternative fuel source for the brain, making this great for the keto diet!
They are an effective way to get into fat burning mode. The production of ketones provides energy without carbs and can be used by the body naturally for this purpose.
MCT Oil Is A Great Way To Get Into Ketosis !
When used in conjunction with other forms of exercise, MCT oil can help you burn fat more efficiently. Overall, MCT oil is a healthy, versatile addition to your diet that can help you reach your fitness goals.
How to use MCT oil in your diet
If you’re like me, you want to know how to use MCT oil in your diet for maximal health benefits. Here’s what I’ve found works best.
First, you can add one tablespoon of MCT oil to your coffee, often referred to as BulletProof Coffee. This helps you feel fuller longer and prevents you from overeating.
Second, you can add MCT oil to your smoothies or shakes. This helps my body better absorb the nutrients from my foods.
My teenager loves making a “Fat Shake” once or twice a day. The original recipe calls for coconut oil, but that always has to be melted first. MCT oil is naturally in liquid form and is simply more convenient.
Fat Shake Recipe
The teenager is trying to “get gains” at the gym and this is a quick and easy way to consume a crap-ton of calories.
- 1-2 raw eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon MCT oil
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- 1 squirt of vanilla creme stevia
- 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder
- 3 ice cubes
Simply put it all in a blender and blend until smooth.
Finally, you can use MCT oil as a cooking oil. This helps you get all the benefits of the healthy fats in MCT oil without having to consume large amounts of it.
By following these simple steps, you can make MCT oil a part of your healthy diet and reap all its benefits.
A word of caution: If you are new to using MCT Oil, start with 1/2 tablespoon and work your way up. Some people experience a bit of tummy trouble until their digestive system adjust.
What are the dangers of MCT oil?
There is such a thing as “Too much of a good thing”. MCT Oil has a lot of calories, roughly 120 calories per tablespoon. Depending on your overall calorie intake, this can cause you to gain weight if you’re not careful.
If you’re actively trying to lose weight, I recommend limiting yourself to no more than 1 tablespoon per day.
Is it OK to take MCT oil everyday?
According to Healthline, a maximum daily dose of 4–7 tablespoons (60–100 mL) has been suggested. But again, if you’re trying to lose weight, I think this is too much.
Does it matter what time of day you take MCT oil?
I think it really depends on your goals. MCT oil has shown to improve cognitive abilities, so if you have a job where you need to really be sharp, then taking it in the morning is a great idea.
But taking a tablespoon at night before your last meal of the day can help prevent late night snacking.
If you plan to consume more than 1 tablespoon per day, I recommend spreading it out throughout the day.
Is MCT oil anti-inflammatory?
Yes!! This is a HUGE benefit of consuming MCT oils!
Studies have shown that MCT oil can have an effect on inflammatory responses.
MCT oil was found to increase the number of anti-inflammatory cytokines while reducing the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Cytokines are small proteins that help the immune system and blood cells grow. They help the immune system to do its job. Cytokines also affect how other cells grow.
Does MCT oil cause gas?
Because MCTs are absorbed and metabolized quickly, they are a great source of energy. However, this also means that they can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
In conclusion
MCT oils are a great addition to a healthy diet with many benefits. I even recommend using both fasting AND MCT oils to improve your overall health.
However, I recommend that you save the MCT oil till AFTER your fasting period is over.