Mixing CBD Oil and MCT Oil: The A-Team of Health
Chances are if you’re interested in CBD oil, you’re also interested in staying healthy. So it may come as no surprise that CBD oil is often mixed with MCT oil. But what is MCT oil?
Simply put, MCT oil is a “medium chain triglyceride” which is commonly derived from coconut oil.
It’s a natural, satiating, and calorie-free energy source that is quickly absorbed and metabolized by the body. Unlike other oils, MCT oil is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, which the body can easily convert into ketones and use for energy.
In other words, it’s the A-Team to CBD oil’s The Hulk. Here’s a more in-depth look at why these two oils are often mixed together.
The Health Benefits of MCT Oil
MCT oil has a host of health benefits, which is why it’s often used in conjunction with CBD oil. Some of the benefits of MCT oil include:
Weight Loss
MCT oil could help you lose weight. One way it does this is by increasing energy levels. This boost in energy can help you to be more active throughout the day, burning more calories. MCT oil can also help to prevent cravings by stabilizing blood sugar levels.
This is especially beneficial if you are following a ketogenic diet, as it can help you stay in ketosis – the fat-burning state that this diet promotes. In addition to weight loss, MCT oil has also been shown to improve cognitive function and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
It is a safe and easy way to add more healthy fats to your diet, and its many benefits make it worth considering if you are looking for a natural way to support your weight loss goals.
Digestion
In addition to being a quick source of energy, MCTs have also been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects1.
MCT oil is easily absorbed by the body. It can also help with gut health and inflammation.
Heart Health
MCT oil has been shown to support weight and fat loss2. This may, in turn, help reduce your risk for heart disease.
But don’t oils contain fat?
Most people are familiar with the term “fat,” but they may not be aware of the different types of fat that exist. One type of fat, known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), is found naturally in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Unlike other types of fat, MCTs are easily digestible and can be used by the body for energy. MCTs are a great source of fuel for athletes and people who are trying to lose weight.
Moreover, MCT oil could help increase the production of heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.
The bottom line is that MCT oil may be beneficial for both weight loss and heart health.
Cognitive Health
Getting enough brain-boosting fats is essential for maintaining cognitive health as we age. One type of fat that is particularly beneficial for the brain is medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. MCT oil is a rich source of caprylic acid and capric acid. These fatty acids are absorbed quickly and metabolized differently than other types of fat, making them an ideal fuel for the brain.
In fact, studies have shown that MCT oil can improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. MCT oil has also been shown to boost cognitive performance in healthy adults, making it a valuable tool for maintaining a sharp mind as we age.
Preliminary research suggests that ketones can help to protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, some studies have found that MCT oil can help to increase levels of ketones in the brain, which may be beneficial for people with epilepsy. While more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of MCT oil, it is clear that this unique oil could play an important role in cognitive health.
Why is CBD and MCT oil mixed together?
As anyone who has ever taken CBD oil knows, low quality CBD products can be hit or miss. Part of the reason for this is that CBD is insoluble in water, so it can be difficult for the body to absorb. However, combining CBD with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil improves absorption and bioavailability.
MCTs are a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently than other fats. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs are absorbed directly by the liver and turned into ketones, which can then be used for energy3. MCTs are found naturally in coconut oil, but they can also be made synthetically.
CBD is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats. When taken with MCT oil, CBD is carried directly to the liver, bypassing first-pass metabolism. In a study on rats, researchers found that combining CBD with MCT oil increased bioavailability by up to four times4. The results were dose-dependent, meaning that the more CBD that was given, the higher the bioavailability.
Bioavailability is the term that describes how well a compound like CBD can travel through your digestive system after consumption. If you want to get the most benefits from CBD, then it’s important for it to be absorbed quickly and efficiently into your bloodstream so you can feel the effects right away and get all the benefits CBD provides.
The Health Benefits of CBD Oil and MCT Oil Combined
CBD oil and MCT oil offer a multitude of health benefits when used separately, with each oil boasting its own unique advantages.
CBD oil is known to help with anxiety, pain relief, and inflammation, while MCT oil can help boost energy levels, improve mental clarity, cognitive function, lower blood sugar and promote weight loss.
So, why are these two oils combined?
When these two oils are mixed together, they create a powerhouse of wellness benefits. The combination of CBD and MCT is easily absorbed by the body and provides a long-lasting source of energy.
When CBD is combined with MCT oil, it becomes more bioavailable, meaning it is easier for the body to absorb. This makes it a more efficient way to take.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil are enhanced by the MCT oil, making its health benefits even more potent. And because MCT oil helps to regulate blood sugar levels, it can also help to mitigate the potentially harmful side effects for diabetic people.
In short, CBD oil and MCT oil are each beneficial on their own. But when used together, they create a synergistic effect that offers even more health advantages.
Side Effects of MCT Oil
Experts usually recommend starting with a low dose of MCT oil, as with any other supplement. MCT oil is generally well tolerated but when taken in excess it can cause symptoms like diarrhea and bloating.
Where Can I Find CBD Oils with MCT Oil?
If you are looking for a high-quality CBD oil that contains MCT oil, look no further than Cannovia. Our unique formula includes MCT oil derived from coconuts, which helps to increase the bioavailability of CBD.
We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality CBD products on the market. Our CBD oils are made with premium ingredients and are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
References
- Michael Shilling, Laurie Matt, Evelyn Rubin, Mark Paul Visitacion, Nairmeen A. Haller, Scott F. Grey, and Christopher J. Woolverton.Antimicrobial Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil and Its Medium-Chain Fatty Acids on Clostridium difficile.Journal of Medicinal Food.Dec 2013.1079-1085.http://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.0303 ↩︎
- Metin ZE, Bilgic P, Tengilimoğlu Metin MM, Akkoca M (2022) Comparing acute effects of extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil consumption on appetite and food intake in normal-weight and obese male subjects. PLOS ONE 17(9): e0274663. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274663 ↩︎
- Front. Nutr., 18 November 2021
Sec. Nutrition, Psychology and Brain Health
Volume 8 – 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.747284 ↩︎ - Millar, Sophie & Maguire, Ryan & Yates, Andrew & O’Sullivan, Saoirse. (2020). Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals. 13. 219. 10.3390/ph13090219. ↩︎
