For quite a long time now the typical American diet has limited sources of saturated fat and villainized fat in general. The standard American diet has failed its people, with obesity and health problems continue to rise despite actions being taken to limit calorie consumption, reduce sugar intake, and increase exercise.
What is interesting to note is that diets in other countries don’t stigmatize healthy fats in the same way, often enjoying a fatty cut of meat or fish on a fairly regular basis.
What many nutritionists are beginning to realize is that fats are vital for a healthy body as well as maintaining a healthy weight and not all saturated fats are harmful.
While this is the opposite many have been taught since childhood, it isn’t very far-fetched when considering the research. The low-carb high-fat diet has turned out to be one of the most effective weight loss diet plans along with Paleo becoming more popular as people feel better on a diet that includes animal proteins while limiting grains.
Getting enough healthy saturated fatty acids into your diet can be difficult, which is why supplementing with MCT oil is recommended. MCTs, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides, are a type of saturated fatty acids that is largely missing from normal diets. Coconut oil is one form of MCT oil that is more common, but supplementing with a pure MCT oil has other benefits.
It is believed that daily consumption of a healthy MCT oil will help with proper weight maintenance, reduce body fat, aid in metabolic functions, help balance hormones, and give energy. Fans of the oil also have found that their immune system is stronger (i.e. they don’t get sick as often), they have improved mental clarity and mood, and previous digestion issues vanish.
Despite many of the advantages of MCT oil being anecdotal, there is plenty of scientific evidence of the importance of essential fatty acids.
If you would like to begin supplementing with an MCT oil it is important to do a little research into the different brands before purchasing. There are cheap MCT oil supplements on the market that do not have the same benefits as a pure MCT oil.
Instead of buying the first oil you find, invest in a product that has been proven effective. Here are the top 3 best MCT oil brands for those looking to improve their physical health and mental well-being.
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Viva Naturals Non-GMO Pure Coconut MCT Oil
Viva Naturals is a well-known, reputable supplement brand focuses on helping customers improve their wellness by providing products that are clinically proven, USDA organic, non-GMO, and free of questionable fillers. Despite their exceptionally high standards, Viva Naturals still keeps their prices very reasonable.
The Viva Natural Pure MCT Oil is derived 100% from sustainably-harvested coconuts, with no animal products used. This means this particular MCT oil is not only certified organic and non-GMO, but also Paleo as well as Vegan friendly. This particular formula is flavorless and odorless, which makes it ideal for use in beverages or for those with very sensitive tastes. Many enjoy adding this oil to smoothies or coffee.
Viva Naturals sells their MCT oil in a 32 fl. oz. glass jar for $23.95 (For the latest prices and discounts, check here) direct from their website, though it can also be purchased on Amazon.
Those that need a vegan-friendly MCT oil are encouraged to try this option. If you have tried other MCT oils in the past that had a strong taste you will also find this one to be far more palatable.
Sports Research Premium MCT Oil
Less well known as a brand is Sports Research. This company is fairly small compared to Viva Naturals but nonetheless produces a high-quality MCT oil. The Sports Research MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and is made of only non-GMO organic coconuts. This formula is free of palm oil and includes lauric acid.
This MCT oil is ideal for anyone but, as the brand name would suggest, is marketed towards athletes or those that participating regularly in physical exercise. The packaging of this product promotes it as an excellent supplement for those requiring more healthy fats in their diet and are looking for more energy.
This MCT oil is odorless and unflavored, making it a good choice for adding to coffee and shakes. It is Vegan and Paleo friendly as well as useful for those on a keto diet.
Sports Research sells this MCT oil in a 32 fl. oz. plastic BPA-free bottle for $32 (For the latest prices and discounts, check here) direct from their website. If you’re looking to say money consider checking Amazon first as they often sell this oil directly from Sports Research for a few dollars less.
Left Coast Performance Premium MCT Oil
Another very popular MCT oil that has an incredible number of positive reviews is Left Coast Performance’s Premium 100% Pure MCT Oil. Similarly to Sports Research, Left Coast Performance isn’t a vitamin and supplement health company like Vita Naturals but rather a brand that focuses on those looking to improve mental and physical performance in the athletic field or gym.
Despite MCT oil being beneficial in many ways, Left Coast does push this product for those that are on the keto diet as it is an excellent oil for entering and maintaining ketosis.
This oil is 100% pure MCT oil from coconuts, though the brand doesn’t mention if these coconuts are non-GMO or certified organic. Despite this the oil is very well-liked by those that are both new and already fans of MCT oil.
Left Coast clearly includes on the label that this product is designed to have a thermogenic metabolism boosting effect and is ideal for weight management. It also claims energy will be felt “lighting fast”, though if you’ve taken MCT oil before you may find it to work about as fast as other brands.
Left Coast Performance sells their MCT oil in a glass 32 fl. oz jar for $25.99 (For the latest prices and discounts, check here) direct from their website, with their Amazon store selling it for just a couple dollars less. This lower price is probably due to the brand no using organic, non-GMO coconuts so if this isn’t an issue for you this oil is an excellent first or only MCT oil to add to your diet.
There are other MCT oil supplements out there but those that aren’t experienced with MCT oil or familiar with researching dietary supplements should start with one of the featured 3 brands. All are not only safe but also have thousands of positive reviews from real users that have had success with the product. Be sure that you start off slow with any MCT oil you try as they can have a strong effect on the stomach.
Most reputable brands, like the above trio, will explain in the direction to start off with a very small measurement and gradually increase to prevent gastric upset.
Aside from using a pure MCT oil supplement, ensuring you get enough health saturated fats from grass-fed dairy, coconut oil, and palm oil is suggested. You will see the best results from MCT oil when combined with a diet that supports fat burning and clean, natural eating. Typically those enjoying the Paleo diet use MCT oil with excellent results.
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Alt Protein Team is a team of professionals and enthusiasts committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on alternative protein, health and wellness, workouts, and all things health-related. We’ve reviewed a lot of products and services so you don’t have to guess when you spend your hard-earned money on them. Whether you want to shed some pounds, build lean muscle or bulk, we can help you figure out what you need to do and what you need to have to achieve your goals.