As you know, some of our products feature MCT Coconut Oil. What is it and why do we use it? Let’s dive into what it is, how it works, how it benefits the body, and why we’ve chosen MCT coconut oil to add to our CBD tinctures and capsules.

What is MCT coconut oil and how does it work in the body?

MCT stands for medium-chain triglyceride and is simply one of the types of fats (oils) that are found in food. Coconuts just happen to be one of the best sources of MCT oil. The name MCT refers to the way the carbon atoms are arranged in their chemical structure. Triglycerides come in three separate forms; short-chain (1-6 carbon atoms), medium-chain (7-12 carbon atoms) and long-chain (contain more than 12 carbon atoms.) All of these triglycerides play an important role in your overall health. Short-chain triglycerides (SCTs) are essential for gut health and your body is responsible for making the majority of them. Long-chain triglycerides - more commonly known by the name’s omega 3 and omega 6 - are typically found in food. Long-chain triglycerides help support healthy immune responses.

Unlike their long and short-chained siblings, medium-chain triglycerides are easily broken down and absorbed into the body and are an awesome form of quick energy. MCTs go straight to the liver and are either quickly converted to a source of energy or turned into Ketones. (Hence why it makes such an amazing carrier oil for our CBD.)

Why do we include MCT oil in our CBD products?

Since CBD is fat-soluble, it needs carrier oil to help the body to process it. At Elixinol, we use fractionated coconut oil as the source of our MCTs. When coconut oil is fractionated, it takes out all the larger particles and fats and turns it from the white “lard-like” substance you see on the grocery store shelf to a clear oil which is over 50% MCTs. By using this incredible carrier oil, it allows for the greatest bioavailability for our CBD. This means you get access to the greatest benefits of the hemp plant as possible, on top of the added health benefits from the MCT coconut oil itself. Please note that when adding any dietary supplement to your routine, it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor about possible interactions.

MCT Coconut oil benefits

MCT coconut oil provides a host of nutritive benefits — especially when MCT is combined with CBD.

On its own, MCT coconut oil has been shown to have a variety of health benefits including:

• Supporting brain health
• Aiding in weight loss (Learn more about CBD & weight loss.)
• Increases energy levels for exercise
• Supports a reduction of inflammation within the body
• Supports a ketogenic lifestyle
• Helps shift the metabolism away from glycolysis (burning sugar) and more towards fatty-acid metabolism.

MCT oil for sleep

MCT oil has been shown to reduce insulin spikes that are commonly associated with carbohydrates found in bread, potatoes, and other starches. Insulin spikes occur when there’s excess glucose in the body, which can cause restlessness. MCT coconut oil has the benefit of leveling out insulin and blood sugar levels, which helps the body relax and supports a restful night’s sleep. Sleep is such a critical time when we rest our minds and let our body recharge and recover. Check out our other products to help support healthy sleep.

Is MCT oil the same as coconut oil?

What’s the difference between coconut and MCT oil? MCT oil and coconut oil are similar, but not the same. Regular coconut oil (that solid white stuff that you see on your grocery store’s shelf) contains large amounts of 12-carbon lauric acid (C12) that gives coconut oil its white, solid appearance.

When coconut oil is fractionated, the C12 is removed along with the long-chain fatty acids, leaving behind the medium-chain fatty acids. This is done through heating, and once undesired fats are removed, what is left is the clear MCT oil.

Stay Informed With Elixinol

Enjoy learning about MCT & CBD? Check out our blog for additional resources on CBD education, facts and more.