Oct 10, 2023

MCT Oil vs. Fractionated Coconut Oil: A Head-To-Head Comparison

Fractionated coconut oil uses a process by which all of the long-chain fatty acids are removed from the liquid to produce an isolated, high-concentration of caprylic and capric acids. MCT oils offer people on ketogenic diets a handy source of energy - particularly those who have trouble with the high levels of fat that are typical on such plans. It also boasts higher levels than most other types of fats, including saturated fats present in animal products. MCT oil is a type of coconut oil that contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fatty acids with shorter chains than LCTs. Because of the shorter chains, MCTs are more quickly burned for energy by the body as opposed to the long-chain fatty acids found in most other oils. Fractionated coconut oil is a high-quality, cold-pressed, standardized form of coconut oil that has been processed through mechanical or chemical means to separate it into three fractions — one for cooking use, one for cosmetic use, and one that releases small amounts of saturated fats during digestion.

Health Benefits Of Using MCT Oil:

1) Easy Absorption

MCTs are quickly and easily used for energy, producing less fat storage after consumption. As a result, it has fewer calories than LCT oils. This makes MCT oil ideal for people on low-carb diets.

2) Low Oxidation

The shorter chain lengths in MCT fatty acid molecules tend to resist oxidation in the body, compared to longer-chain fatty acids found in long-chain fatty acid foods such as meats. As a result, MCTs can reduce oxidative stress caused by eating high-fat foods.

3) Metabolism Of Fat

MCT fats, when metabolized by the body, produce ketone bodies faster than other sources of fat. Ketone bodies are produced from fatty acids and used as an alternative energy source, which may be beneficial for people with conditions such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease.

4) Improved Mental Health

MCTs have been shown to positively affect mood and behavior in people with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, although more research is still needed regarding its exact mechanism of action.

5) Antibacterial And Antiviral Properties

As a result of their antimicrobial properties, MCTs have been shown to prevent certain microbes from growing in foods that contain them. Specifically, these properties have been used to prevent the growth of bad bacteria that cause conditions such as tooth decay and cavities.

6) Improved Athletic Performance

In addition, MCTs have been shown to aid in the recovery process for athletes and may be especially beneficial for endurance athletes.

7) Antioxidant Properties

As a result of its shorter chain length, MCT oil has fewer saturated fats than other fats. Saturated fats are highly reactive at room temperature, involving free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to biological tissue. Because of its less reactive nature when compared with other fats, MCT oil is considered a good source of antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients.

Health Benefits Of Using Fractionated Coconut Oil:

1) Controlled Synthesis

Because it is a chemical, fractionated coconut oil is made by a process that is controlled and virtually identical from batch to batch. This makes the finished product very consistent, with the same components in all batches. It also makes it less likely for microbes to grow due to its consistent composition.

2) Consistent Specifications

Fractionated coconut oil contains only one type of fatty acid, lauric acid, and has a consistent caprylic-capric fatty acid ratio of 3:1. It is also specifically heat treated to stabilize its fatty acid profile during processing, and then cold-pressed to remove impurities such as coconut oil, making sure the end product has a consistent flavor profile.

3) Less Greasy

Fractionated coconut oil is 'cleaner' than most other coconut oils, which feels lighter and less oily on the skin.

4) Controlled Stability

Because the fatty acids are all of the same length, fractionated coconut oil is stable at room temperature as well as in sunlight. Optimally stored at temperatures around 70 °F (21 °C), both lauric acid and capric acid have a long shelf life with little to no degradation.

5) Better For High-Heat Cooking

Fractionated coconut oil has a higher boiling point than other types of coconut oils, which makes it ideal for high-heat cooking since it won't degrade as readily as other types of oils when heated.

6) Longer Shelf Life

Unlike MCT oil, fractionated coconut oil has a longer shelf life. It can be used over an extended period of 6 to 12 months with virtually no degradation in flavor profile or other properties. There is also less chance of rancidity, and it can be stored in any location, without the need for refrigeration.

7) Cosmetic Uses

Fractionated coconut oils are commonly used as an ingredient in many skin care products due to their low molecular weight and anti-aging benefits. It is often used in lotions and creams for its ability to improve skin elasticity and its penetrative properties, which help the skin absorb the product faster.

8) Fatty Acids

While containing a lower quantity of lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid), fractionated coconut oil also has a high quantity of capric acid (another saturated fatty acid), which contains antimicrobial properties that may be particularly beneficial for acne patients.

9) Free Of Impurities

Fractionated coconut oil contains a high proportion of lauric acid and capric acid, with very few other vegetable oils or triglycerides. This allows it to be used without the need for additional processing.

10) Absorption

Fractionated coconut oil is rapidly absorbed into the skin upon contact. It contains capric acid and lauric acid which are "caprylic-capric" fatty acids, which makes them very quickly converted to fatty acids by the body.

FAQs:

1) Is Fractionated Coconut Oil Safe for Cooking?

Yes, fractionated coconut oil is suitable for cooking. The refined nature means it will hold up under high temperatures of frying, sauteing, or even cooking in a wok. Just use it as you would use any other cooking oil. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it can also be used in dishes containing meat like chicken rice or beef curry to help reduce the amount of bacteria and pathogens that may be present (as long as you get rid of the oil after using).

2) Can I Use It as a Carrier Oil?

No, fractionated coconut oil is not meant for use on the skin except to moisturize. It is also not suitable for vaporizing or use as an edible oil. It is a pure, refined version of coconut oil that does not have the same type of coconut smell as virgin coconut oil.