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MCT oil vs. Coconut oil: What’s the Difference?
MCT is an acronym for medium-chain triglyceride. MCT oil and coconut oil are becoming increasingly popular alongside the keto diet.
Although they have overlapping characteristics, both oils are made of different compounds with great uses and benefits.
This article gives a detailed comparison between MCT oil and coconut oil and is better for reaching specific goals.
What are medium-chain triglycerides?
MCTs are naturally present in many foods, such as palm kernel oil and coconut oil, plus dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk.
A triglyceride is made up of three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule. The fatty acids comprise carbon atoms combined in chains of varying lengths.
Dietary triglycerides are long-chain fatty acids, meaning no less than 12 carbon atoms.
Contrastingly, MCTs have fatty acids of medium length, containing between 6–12 carbon atoms.
The difference in the length of the fatty acid chain is what makes MCTs unique. On the other hand, most dietary sources of fat, like avocado, fish, seeds, nuts, and olive oil, are made up of long-chain triglycerides.
