Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeEditor PicksDoes Mct Oil Increase Your Cholesterol

Does Mct Oil Increase Your Cholesterol

Mct Oil Vs Mct Powder

Does MCT Oil Raise Your Cholesterol?

The only real difference between MCT oil and MCT powder is the form they come in. Obviously, MCT oil is a liquid and MCT powder is a solid

MCT powder also requires a carrier fiber to make it into a powder, and you may also find other ingredients depending on which brand you choose.

That said, MCT powder is more convenient to travel with and seems to be easier on the digestive system.

Whether one form is more effective than another has yet to be studied. Personally, I notice more benefit from MCT in oil form in terms of feeling it.

The Ability Of Mcts To Enhance Exercise Performance Is Weak

MCTs are thought to increase energy levels during high-intensity exercise and serve as an alternative energy source, sparing glycogen stores.

Several older human and animal studies suggest that this may boost endurance and offer benefits for athletes on low-carb diets.

One animal study found that mice fed a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides did much better in swimming tests than mice fed a diet rich in LCTs .

Additionally, consuming food containing MCTs instead of LCTs for 2 weeks allowed recreational athletes to endure longer bouts of high-intensity exercise .

Although the evidence seems positive, more recent, high-quality studies are needed to confirm this benefit, and the overall link is weak .

SUMMARY

The link between MCTs and improved exercise performance is weak. More studies are needed to confirm these claims.

The use of medium-chain triglycerides and MCT oil has been associated with several other health benefits.

Mct Oil: Fast Path To Dementia

by John Ledford Gregory | Feb 16, 2020

As humans, we can all be guaranteed of one similar destiny: we will all get old and we will all eventually die. Nonetheless, nothing strikes fear in the hearts of a human being more than the prospect of dying a slow, uncomfortable death. One of the worst such types of slow decline is known by the name of dementia, and it is the loss of the very faculties that make us human. In dementia, every single faculty of the mind is affected, including memory, spatial and geographical orientation, comprehension, the ability to learn, language, and even judgment.

What is so insidious about the disease is that while all of these capabilities are gradually fading and coming apart, consciousness is undisturbed. The sufferer must watch silently as the body and mind gradually disintegrate, along with emotions, behavior, and the basic will to live. This gradual, deeply humiliating onset of symptoms is thought to begin in the brain and is described by a wide variety of neurological pathologies, the most common being Alzheimers disease.

As such, dementia sufferers are often in deep conflict with not only themselves but also with those around them, and this makes providing health care for such individuals not only problematic but also extremely costly. Even the most patient healthcare providers can be provoked to react in the most challenging of times.

Read Also: Does Shrimp Give You High Cholesterol

Mct Oil Vs Coconut Oil

As you can see from the photo, there are many differences between coconut oil and adding MCT oil. For instance, MCT oil has a higher concentration of medium-chain fatty acids, long-chain triglycerides. While saturated fat tends to be high in lipid, medium-chain fats like these have a bigger influence on weight management. Some studies say that they are beneficial for healthy eating, while others suggest that they increase the risk of heart disease. This is why I donât recommend them for weight loss. Although you can certainly use them if youâre trying to lose weight. In fact, you can probably even eat lots of them without weight gain.

Depending on which medical study youâre reading, coconut is either the most destructive evil on earth or an age-old wonder product. Anecdotal evidence continues to support that coconut increases âbadâ LDL cholesterol while at the same time reducing âgoodâ HDL cholesterol. At least one reputable study, by Mary Jane Healey of Stanford University, found that replacing saturated fats with coconut increases your âbadâ LDL cholesterol. There is also some evidence that coconut increases your âgoodâ HDL cholesterol. Some scientists have also suggested that at a certain point, coconut oilâs increase in LDL cholesterol levels will offset any effects youâre receiving from its reduced âbadâ HDL cholesterol.

Mcts For Alzheimers: Stage Matters

Stayfitcentral

The question now that should be on your mind is: just how does this evidence relate to dementia? The answer is not straightforward. On the one hand, Alzheimers is hallmarked by a progressive inability of neurons to utilize glucose due to amyloid-beta induced insulin resistance. The ketone -hydroxybutyrate, produced via MCT metabolism, is capable of protecting hippocampal neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity.53

Lest we jump to the conclusion that MCTs are automatically beneficial for Alzheimers sufferers, we need only look more deeply into the studies performed using them directly. It would appear that patients without the APOE 4 genotype are among the very few to benefit from this treatment, showing some improvements in short-term cognitive performance.54 Such improvements, however, were generally only seen in early stages of the disease. Further, studies on mice with dementia show only improved motor function without any cognitive enhancement at all. What, then is the verdict?55

Recommended Reading: Shrimp Bad For Cholesterol

Mcts Induce Nitrosative Stress

One of the other ways that decanoic acid can induce brain damage is via its inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase . ADH is responsible for reducing S-Nitroglutathione , which plays a major role in nitric oxide signaling and is a source of bioavailable NO.311 GSNO is reduced by ADH3 to S-hydroxylaminoglutathione which, in the presence of reduced glutathione , forms oxidized glutathione . Both GSH and GSSH inhibit glutamatergic signaling by binding to NMDA and AMPA receptors.312

By inhibiting GSNO reduction to GSH and GSSG, decanoic acid can potentially increase neuronal nitric oxide formation. This leads to increased neuronal nitrosative stress, overexcitation and neurodegeneration. Because ADH3 also plays a role in formaldehyde detoxification, this inhibition can further lead to formaldehyde accumulation in certain contexts.313 Not surprisingly, formaldehyde interferes with DNA-methyltransferase function, which is critical for both the formation of recent memory and the maintenance of remote memory.314 As a matter of fact, measurement of formaldehyde in overnight fasting urine has be been proposed as a noninvasive method for evaluation of dementia risk.315

Genetic Variants That Might Not Do Well On Bulletproof Coffee

There are numerous polymorphisms which associate with increased levels of LDL.

SNP ID
T, C

Table adapted from:

Taken from my previous post, this table shows several polymorphisms that have an association with increased levels of LDL. Importantly, none were directly correlated with an increased risk of heart disease.

However, it is important to note that these studies were performed on normal populations, not ones supplementing their diet with very high levels of saturated fat. It remains unknown whether the risk alleles result in the production of more LDL regardless of lipid level, or if this would be altered when undertaking a high fat diet. Additionally, it is unknown if there are any functional differences in LDL associated with these polymorphisms which when in association with high blood triglyceride levels may prove harmful to heart health.

Also Check: Is Pork Bad For Cholesterol

Mcts Encourage Memory Loss

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that frontotemporal dementia is characterized by a wide array of changes in neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate. Of these, glutamate is considered to be a critical player in its development240 Hypofunction in N-methyl D-aspartate and -amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors has been shown in animal models, and in humans, we have seen a loss of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons across the brain, especially in the frontal and temporal cortices.

Frontotemporal dementia is characterized by multiple abnormalities in behavior along with impairments of language and executive function. It is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions after Alzheimers disease, although both pathologies could potentially be combined into a single category due to the similar way in which they develop.241

One viable therapeutic approach might involve scavenging of anti-GluA3 antibodies, but in my opinion, it would not be effective without first understanding the original triggers for autoimmunity that are at the root of those antibodies in the first place.

Type 1 Diabetes And Mcts

5 Ways MCT Oil and Keto Boosts Fat Burning

Some sources discourage people with type 1 diabetes from taking medium-chain triglycerides due to the accompanying production of ketones.

Its thought that high levels of ketones in the blood may increase the risk of ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that can occur in people with type 1 diabetes.

However, the nutritional ketosis a low-carb diet causes is completely different than diabetic ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that a lack of insulin causes.

In people with well-managed diabetes and healthy blood sugar levels, ketone levels remain within a safe range even during ketosis.

There are limited recent studies available that explore the use of MCTs in those with type 1 diabetes. However, some older studies that have been conducted observed no harmful effects .

SUMMARY

MCT oil is safe for most people, but there are no clear dosage guidelines. Start with small doses and gradually increase your intake.

Recommended Reading: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol

How Does Mct Oil Give Your Body An Energy Boost

MCT oil can be use as fast and efficient brain fuel. This is because your body absorbs medium-chain triglycerides must faster than it does long-chain triglycerides .

This means that the MCT oil does not require a break down by your body with bile its easy for it to transfer straight from your gut to the liver.

These fats can be immediately used by your liver as a source of energy, and can also be converted to ketones which can cross your blood-brain barrier and be a good source of energy to your brain and brain cells.

Mct May Stimulate The Release Of Hunger Hormones

While MCTs may increase the release of hormones that help you feel fuller longer, they may also stimulate the release of hunger hormones in some people .

A study involving people with anorexia found that MCTs increased the release of two hormones that stimulate appetite: ghrelin and neuropeptide Y .

People who took more than 6 grams of MCTs per day produced more of these hormones than those who had less than 1 gram per day.

However, its unclear whether the increase in these hormones actually causes you to eat more.

Don’t Miss: How Much Cholesterol In Pork Chops

Which Should You Choose

The best source for you depends on your goals and desired intake of medium-chain triglycerides.

Its not clear what dose is needed to obtain potential benefits. In studies, doses range from 570 grams of MCT daily.

If you aim to achieve overall good health, using coconut oil or palm kernel oil in cooking is probably sufficient.

However, for higher doses, you might want to consider MCT oil.

One of the good things about MCT oil is that it has virtually no taste or smell. It can be consumed straight from the jar or mixed into food or drinks.

SUMMARY

Coconut and palm kernel oils are rich sources of medium-chain triglycerides, but MCT oil supplements contain much larger amounts.

Triglycerides Synthesised From Coconut Oil

Why &  How To Use MCTs + The Benefits Of MCT Oil

Standard medium-chain triglycerides are produced by hydrolysing coconut oil and esterifying the fatty acids shorter than lauric acid with glycerol the resulting triglycerides are rich primarily in caprylic and capric acids. The exclusion of LA reflects the fact that this fatty acid has high commercial value as a precursor for antibacterial pharmaceuticals and other worthwhile compounds. Coconut oil is one of the richest available sources of LAconstituting about half of its total fatty acid contentand so is used to produce LA the shorter chain fats are hence by-products of this process and then are used for production of MCTs. As contrasted with coconut oil, standard MCTs are consistently fluid at room temperature their utility for cooking applications, however, is limited by their low smoke point, which makes them unsuitable for use in frying.

Recently, however, manufacturers have started to produce a novel type of MCT that contains a high fraction of LAtypically 30%. A tablespoon of this MCTcontaining 14g of fatis said to contain 12g of medium-chain fatty acids and 1g of unsaturates . Hence, the content of longer chain saturated fatty acids is extremely low and of questionable physiological significance.

Recommended Reading: Do Egg Beaters Have Cholesterol

Should You Put Mct Oil In Coffee

Whether you want to boost your cognitive function or youre in it for the fat burning capabilities, its clear that MCT oil has many benefits. Moreover, adding this healthy fat to hot coffee in the morning could help you stay fuller for longer, lose weight, and steer clear of disease.

As with any dietary change, adding MCT oil to your coffee requires caution and consideration. If youre not struggling with a condition like heart disease or high blood pressure, trying MCT oil in coffee might help you elevate your productivity and achieve optimum health like never before.

Michelle Polizzi

Improves Brain Function And Memory

A person gets most of their brainâs energy from glucose. However, according to the Alzheimerâs Drug Discovery Foundation, the brains of people who have Alzheimerâs cannot use glucose as effectively anymore.

Research from 2016 found that the brains of people with Alzheimerâs were able to use ketones at the same level as people without Alzheimerâs. Ketones, therefore, can provide an alternative energy source for the brains of people with Alzheimerâs.

However, the Alzheimerâs Drug Discovery Foundation notes that there is no research to state that MCTs aid long-term brain health.

Also Check: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol

Increased Risk For Pathogen Translocation

It should be abundantly clear that MCTs increase antigen uptake into Peyers patches, providing them access directly to the internal immune cascade. In this way, PPs also open the door for bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and even prion. Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella flexneri have all been reported to invade their hosts by adhering to FAE M-cells. What then, can we say about such pathogens in the presence of MCT? Should we feel confident about the safety of MCT consumption on an empty stomach if such invaders are lurking in waiting down in the gut? Would even the MCT content of pure coconut oil be enough to provoke a reaction? The answer should be obvious. Yes, even coconut oil can induce this reaction in those with a hyperactive immune system.

Tslp Master Allergy Inducer

Does MCT Oil Help You Burn Fat

TSLP is a master cytokine responsible for the induction of allergic responses.128129 It is produced primarily by epithelial cells and plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses via the maturation and activation of dendritic cells, lymphocytes, basophil precursors, and fibrocytes.130131132133

It is common to see increased TSLP production at the sites of inflammation such as those seen in severe asthma, allergic rhinitis, and even atopic dermatitis.134135 In mice that are deficient in TSLP receptors, there is close to no incidence of asthma or allergic dermatitis. We can easily extend this to include the intestinal epithelium, which has already been demonstrated to express TSLP mRNA in the presence of antigen.136137

To put it simply, wherever there are epithelial cells, there is the potential for TSLP-induced allergic reaction. TSLP mRNA levels were shown to increase significantly, for example, by doing nothing more than painting caprylic acid on the ear lobes of mice.

Don’t Miss: Stress And Ldl

Mcts Provoke Allergic Sensitivity

Thus far, we have been focusing on MCT metabolism and the general risk for overconsumption. Id now like to shift attention to a more commonly known side effect of MCTs: their ability to increase allergic sensitization to foods in even small amounts. It was originally presumed that MCTs prevent allergic reactions systemically by suppressing antigen absorption into the blood. This myth was subsequently dispelled when it was shown that medium-chain triglycerides of varying lengths stimulate absorption of antigens into Peyers patches, thereby invoking allergic response.

Caprylic Acid Induces Chronic Gluconeogenesis

Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that generates glucose when there is either insufficient carbohydrate in the diet, during fasting, or as a result of intense exercise. It catabolizes proteins to form glucogenic amino acids and breaks down triglycerides, both of which may be used for glucose production. Many individuals on a low carb, high fat diet or even those that replace breakfast with MCT-infused coffee for the purpose of intermittent fasting, are often driving blood glucose levels low enough to chronically invoke gluconeogenesis.

The problem here, as you might have guessed, is the means by which gluconeogenesis is invoked. While it can be stimulated by glucagon, growth hormone, adrenaline, and cortisol, chronic activation tends to prefer cortisol. This happens because of consistent and increasingly more severe drops in blood sugar . The lower blood sugar goes, the greater the emergency stress response is generated. In the early stages, cortisol is mobilized to provoke gluconeogenesis but, over time, the HPA-axis becomes less efficient and asynchronous, leading to more regular release of adrenaline. Again, complications are less frequent in athletic people that engage in resistance training, but I have seen this problem even in that subset, especially those that overtrain, such as the CrossFit group.

Also Check: Is Milk Chocolate Bad For Cholesterol

Saturated Fat And Ldl

In its Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease Presidential Advisory, the American Heart Association noted that 72 percent of Americans consider coconut oil to be a healthy food.

But in reviewing more than 100 studies, including data showing that coconut oil increased LDL cholesterol, researchers saw no difference between coconut oil and other saturated fats like butter, fatty meat and palm oil.

Furthermore, the American Heart Association has advised against the use of coconut oil because of its ability to increase LDL cholesterol.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular