MCT Oil and Coconut oil both offer significant benefits to bodybuilders. But which deliver the best results and should be on your shopping list. Find out here...

Compare the Benefits and Make the Right Choice

It’s time for another showdown. This showdown is between MCT oil and coconut oil. Fatty acids are one part of the macronutrient profile of a bodybuilder that can never be overlooked. From testosterone production to improved cardiovascular function, fatty acids are a vital part of a bodybuilder’s diet. In this show down, the benefits of MCT oil and coconut oil will be examined and may the better oil emerge victorious.

Benefits of MCT Oil

MCT oil, or oils derived from medium chain triglycerides, are found in different types of food like palm oil, coconut oil, and dairy products. This oil is extracted from the foods previously listed and is used as a dietary supplement.

One of the benefits of MCT oil is that it is easily digested. Normally, food goes through the digestion process, which breaks it up into the nutrients required by the body. MCT oil differs in that it bypasses this process and gets directly absorbed into the liver. This quick process digestion allows MCT oil to act more like a carbohydrate providing you with a form of energy that is readily available for your body to use.

An increase in metabolism is another benefit of using MCT oil. Due to the fact that the body can rapidly absorb this oil, it optimizes production of the thyroid hormone. This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism in your body. Fluctuations in this hormone are responsible for lowering or raising the rate at which your body burns calories and MCT oil helps it function to the best of its ability.

MCT oil benefits athletes by giving them a source of energy that is immediately available and lasts a long time. One serving of MCT oil allows athletes to compete or train at peak performance for hours on end. In addition to increased energy levels, this supplement aids bodybuilders by helping them maintain strength and stamina.

In order for bodybuilders to get the best results from MCT oil, they should add it gradually to their diet to allow the body to get used to how it processes. A small initial dosage tablespoon is recommended until the body adjusts. After that, dosages can be increased to one tablespoon in the morning and another serving prior to your workout. This oil can be easily added to protein shakes, used as a salad dressing or used as cooking oil.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for over 4000 years with great results. One of the most important properties of coconut oil is that it can help you burn body fat. The component responsible for helping you burn more body fat is the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil. As previously stated, medium-chain triglycerides help the thyroid hormone function at full capacity. This in turn helps your body to regulate your metabolism and burn more fat.

Another great benefit of coconut oil is that it reduces abdominal fat. In a study involving 30 obese males, a significant reduction in abdominal fat was noted after 4 weeks. These men were given an ounce of coconut oil on a daily basis and were able to reduce their waist circumference by 1.1 inches.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is great at helping the body fight off infections. Fifty percent of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are comprised of lauric acid. When coconut oil is broken down by the body, it also contains monolaurin. These substances work in conjunction with the immune system to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Coconut oil has also been shown to help lower low-density cholesterol and raise high-density cholesterol which directly promotes cardiovascular health. A study comprised of 40 women that compared coconut oil and soybean oil produced interesting results. It found that women who consumed coconut oil reduced total low-density cholesterol while increasing high-density cholesterol.

The best benefit of coconut oil is that it can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. It can be used in stir-fry recipes, baking, added to protein shakes and smoothies all while giving your food a taste of the tropics. One serving of coconut oil contains 120 calories and there is no adjustment period. Just add it to your favorite drink or bake with it and then enjoy.

Making the Right Choice

The showdown has ended and, as always, you are the judge. MCT is great if you need a fast digesting oil that will provide you with hours of sustained energy. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides so you’ll still get all the benefits of MCT oil, but at a slower rate. The added benefit of coconut oil is that you can also help your body fight infection while adding a fruity, tropical flavor to your food and drinks.