Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)

Coconut oil has many health giving properties. Find out more about MCT's here.

Coconut oil has many health giving properties, among which are its conversion by the body into pregnenolone, (corticosteroid). It is also known to have antioxidant actions as well as the ability to increase metabolism.

"Vitamin Research Production : Coconut Oil"

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT's) are fats that contain 8 – 12 carbon fatty acids (as opposed to long chain triglycerides like Omega 3's, 6's and 9's found in fatty fish and plant foods) which contain more than 12 carbons per fatty acid.

When MCT's are consumed they are processed by the body in a completely different way to long chain triglycerides. They are much more water soluble and as a result can be readily absorbed across the small intestine wall into the blood stream for transportation direct to the liver. MCT fatty acid molecules are smaller than other fatty acids and therefore require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion. Which means that the body can digest and absorb them quicker and with minimal effort. MCT fatty acids are broken down almost immediately (and NOT stored like other fats) by enzymes in saliva and gastric juices so that pancreatic fat digesting enzymes are not needed. Very important in anyone with a digestive tract problem because less strain is put on the pancreas, liver and digestive system or in premature babies with under developed digestive organs.

It is a similar situation with anyone suffering with Crohn's Disease, obesity, gall bladder, pancreatic problems, candida or other inflammatory bowel conditions and or even some forms of cancer. And also with the elderly. As we get older our bodies don't function as well as they did in earlier years. Our pancreas loses its ability to create as many different enzymes. The result of which is that we may develop a leady gut which will mean that we are unable to absorb food and the whole process of digestion and elimination moves much more slowly. ….. Constipation probably being the biggest culprit. If we are not absorbing food properly because of a leaky gut, chances are we will also have vitamin and mineral deficiencies which the body relies upon for regeneration of healthy cells.

Because MCT fatty acids are so easy for the body to absorb and digest, including Coconut oil when preparing food will also improve vitamin and mineral absorption. I once read that “eating foods containing MCT fatty acids is like putting high octane fuel in your car. The car runs smoother and gets better mileage”. Likewise with MCT fatty acids, your body performs better because it has more energy and greater endurance. Because MCT fatty acids are funnelled directly to the liver where it is converted into energy, the body gets a boost of energy which has a stimulating effect not only on metabolism but also on the entire body. This increase in energy has some other important benefits from boosting your metabolic rate, to speeding up the healing process because when metabolism is increased, cells function at a higher rate of efficiency, so injuries will heal quicker and the immune system functions better. There are many conditions which are exacerbated where metabolism is slow.

MCT's are also burned as a source of energy and as a result have been shown to increase calorie burning compared with other fats. There are many other benefits including liver and digestive tract protection, thyroid metabolism support, energy production and antioxidant.

MCT's act more like carbohydrates in the body than fats and for that reason intake is useful for those on low carbohydrate diets. In some studies MCT's were shown to cause a greater reduction in total cholesterol and LDL than olive oil, making them a healthier source of calories than other fats. It has also been used in hospitals to combat dehydration and electrolyte depletion (dehydration).

Some studies have shown that MCT's can lower blood glucose levels in Type 2 Diabetes (non insulin dependent).

MCT's can be used in the management of gastrointestinal diseases when fat digestion is impaired. It is not only found in Coconut Oil, but also Palm Kernel Oil, butter and also available in supplement form.

Because MCT's are transported direct to the liver there may be further risk of gastrointestinal upset if high doses are ingested on an empty stomach. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia or appetite loss, which will often be the symptoms being treated in the first place!! So caution is needed and patients are advised to check with their health practitioner or read labels thoroughly beforehand.

Anyone suffering with liver problems should, in any case, check with their GP before embarking on any self treatment programme.

Sunday, 4 January 2004

© 2004 Bromley Health Management