When I started the keto diet years ago, MCT oil was the first supplement that I purchased.
The first time I used it was in my bulletproof coffee. It gave me a boost of energy and a mental focus that I had never experienced before.
Ever since this incident, I made MCT oil a daily staple in my diet.
If you’re following the keto diet, MCT oil can make your life easier as it can help speed up the process of achieving a state of ketosis.
These fatty acids also aid in weight loss and help maintain optimal gut health.
There are many creative ways to implement MCT Oil in your keto diet. It’s tasteless and odorless, so you can mix it with your morning coffee or your post-workout protein shake.
It can also be used as cooking oil when making some delicious keto food.
MCT oil can also be consumed in three different ways. Not only can you get it in liquid, but in powder, and in softgels.
I should also note that not every MCT oil supplement is the same. Some brands use higher quality ingredients.
With so many different options to choose from, you might be wondering which MCT oil is the best choice?
Don’t worry, I was in the same position as you. However, after trying many different MCT Oils and reading what others had to say, I put together my top four best MCT oils for the keto diet.
But before I review which MCT oil I think is the best, lets first go in-depth on what MCT oil is, the benefits, and how you use it.
| Description | Check Amazon's Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil | Amazon's Price |
 | Level Up Clean MCT Oil | Amazon's Price |
 | Perfect Keto Pure C8 MCT Oil | Amazon's Price |
 | Viva Naturals Pure Coconut MCT Oil | Amazon's Price |
What is MCT Oil?
MCTs stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which are a form of saturated fatty acids.
These Medium-Chain Fatty Acids get extracted from sources like coconut and palm oil.
Normal fats in your daily diet are considered Long-Chain Triglycerides (LCT).
The carbon structure of the LCT is much longer in length than the Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT).
When you consume the LCTs, these long chain fatty acids go through a process which requires them to enter the bile in order to be broken down to enter the bloodstream.
Once upon entering the bloodstream, these LCTs then get processed by the liver.
The MCTs are shorter in length and are more water-soluble, hence are able to skip the bile process and enter the bloodstream at a faster rate.
After the MCTs hit the bloodstream, they are then shifted directly into the liver without the need to be processed.
Therefore, you’re provided with immediate energy or ketones while not gaining any body fat.
Let’s look at the four different kinds of MCTs. (The numbers define the number of carbon chains)
- Caproic (C6:0)
- Caprylic (C8:0)
- Capric (C10:0)
- Lauric (C12:0)
MCT Oil is usually made up of one or a blend of these, which are all beneficial to our health. Only a few selected are made only with the Caprylic (C8).
Is Pure C8 MCT Oil Better Than a Blend?
If you’re looking to increase the body’s production of ketones, going with a C8 MCT Oil is your ideal choice. Since Caprylic has 8 carbon atoms, the liver does not need to process this MCT, which then takes 3 steps to turn into ATP Cellular fuel.
Let’s discuss in quick detail what each MCT carbon chain does.
Caproic (C6:0):
The benefit of this 6 carbon chain fatty acid is that it quickly converts into ketones, but the downside is there is not much of it in coconut oil.
It also tastes bad and is known to cause an upset stomach. This is why C8 is the better choice.
Caprylic Acid (C8:0):
Caprylic Acid is the most potent extract of Coconut Oil. It is considered 6% of coconut oil and it contains anti-microbial properties which are essential to maintaining a healthy gut.
The liver does not need to process this MCT, which then takes 3 steps to turn into ATP Cellular fuel.
Capric Acid (C10:0):
Capric Acid is considered 9% of Coconut Oil. It is processed slower than C8 but resembles similar qualities.
C8 and C10 are known as the only two MCT chains which do not need to be processed by the liver.
Lauric Acid (C12:0):
Lauric Acid is made up of 50% of Coconut Oil. Unlike the shorter chains, this type of MCT acts like an LCT because it needs to make a brief stop in the liver before being converted into energy.
Even though it provides anti-microbial properties just like the other MCTs, it is not as effective in battling yeast or candida.
What are the Benefits of MCT Oil?
MCT oil provides a wide range of benefits that are essential to the body.
Here are the top MCT Oil Benefits:
Aids in weight loss
Improves mood
Helps maintain a healthy weight
Improves gut health
Enhances mental focus
Increase energy levels
Experience better digestion
Helps absorb vitamins better
Fights against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
What Are the Side Effects of MCT Oil?
MCT Oil might cause an upset stomach in some individuals. It can also cause nausea, flatulence, diarrhea and even vomit. It’s best to start with the one teaspoon for a couple of days and then work your way up to the daily recommended dosage.
How Do You Use MCT Oil?
Be creative when adding MCT Oil to your everyday diet. If you decide to go with the liquid MCT, its a perfect substitute for olive oil to use on a salad. You can also drizzle some MCT oil on some steamed vegetables or use as cooking oil.
MCT oil also goes great with coffee, post-workout shakes, and smoothies making it a convenient way to implement healthy fats into your diet.
You can also take it in softgel pill form, which can be taken with food or water.
Now let’s take a look at the four best MCT Oils currently available on the market for the Keto diet.
4 Best MCT Oils on the Market for Keto
#1. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil
Bulletproof is known for its toxin-free high-quality supplements, so it was no surprise when they released Bulletproof Brain Octane oil.
Made only of Caprylic Acid (C8:) from 100% pure coconut oil, it tops my list as the #1 MCT oil.
This octane oil will provide a boost of physical and mental energy over its typical MCT competitors.
It helps balance the gut flora and assists in melting fat off the body. It might run a little higher in price, but it pays off in the end with the quality.
Pros
- Extracted from 100% Pure Coconut Oil
- Supports Healthy Digestion
- Pure C8 Capyrlic- For Fastest Ketone Production
- Enchanges Cognitive Abilities
- Gluten & Dairy free
- NON-GMO, Paleo & Vegan-Friendly
Cons
- May cause stomach ache if over-consumed
#2. Level Up Clean MCT Oil
Level Up is taking it up a notch with this Pure C8 Caprylic MCT oil. This pure C8 MCT will provide the fastest rise in energy and focus which makes it perfect for the keto lifestyle.
This NON-GMO oil is gluten free and vegan-friendly. You will start enhancing your ketone production instantly by consuming this oil daily.
A flawless five-star review on Amazon among the community gives this MCT oil a thumbs up!
Pros
- Extracted from 100% Pure Coconut Oil
- Supports Healthy Digestion
- Pure C8 Capyrlic- For Fastest Ketone Production
- Enchanges Cognitive Abilities
- Gluten & Dairy free
- NON-GMO, Paleo & Vegan-Friendly
Cons
- May cause stomach ache if over-consumed
#3. Perfect Keto Pure C8 MCT Oil
Perfect Keto is currently on the rise and now I know why! This pure C8 MCT Oil will provide stable sustained energy for your everyday tasks. Add this to your coffee and feel the endless energy you get from the caprylic acids.
Mental clarity, sharpness, and focus are some of the effects you get when consuming this MCT oil.
It’s even doctor designed for convenient keto living. No wonder it’s arguably one of the best MCT oils on market for keto!
Pros
- Extracted from 100% Pure Coconut Oil
- Supports Healthy Digestion
- Pure C8 Capyrlic- For Fastest Ketone Production
- Enchanges Cognitive Abilities
- Gluten & Dairy free
- Vegan-Friendly
Cons
- May cause stomach ache if over-consumed
#4. Viva Naturals Pure Coconut MCT Oil
Viva Natural MCT Oil is rated as one of the best blended MCT Oils currently on the market.
Extracted from 100% handpicked coconuts, this MCT oil is perfect with coffee, teas, and shakes! You are also getting an MCT Oil that is free of fillers, flavors, and additives.
Take this in this morning and enjoy the long sustained energy with the benefit of supporting your metabolism!
Pros
- Made from 100% Handpicked Coconut
- Supports Healthy Digestion
- A Blend of MCTs
- Enchanges Cognitive Abilities
- Gluten & Dairy free
- Paleo & Vegan-Friendly
- Flavorless & Orderless
Cons
- May cause stomach ache if over-consumed
- Not pure C8
Conclusion
Choosing the right MCT Oil for keto can be a tough decision if you’re new to keto.
These 4 on the list are the most popular and best recommended for the keto diet.
All in all, whichever one you choose off the list is not a bad decision, but the Bulletproof pure C8 is my favorite.
What is your personal favorite Keto MCT Oil?
Leave a comment below. Thanks!
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874190/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-915-MEDIUM+CHAIN+TRIGLYCERIDES+MCTs.aspx
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