I have read a lot about the ketogenic or keto diet, and a few weeks ago, I finally decided to give it a try. For individuals following a keto diet, one of the main concerns is finding a clean energy source.
I have to admit, the first few days of keto were difficult. I felt weak. I didn’t even have the energy to do simple tasks. I knew I had to find a good source, fast. So I turned to some useful articles I found online.
Based on my research, this product is a good source of instant energy for people on a keto diet. It can also help people stay in the fat-burning state known as ketosis. It presents other health benefits as well.
I have tried several brands of MCT oil already, and one of them is Onnit, which is the subject of this review. It is designed mainly to provide a quick boost of energy, particularly for individuals following a keto diet.
It contains C12, a type of triglycerides that serves as a precursor to monolaurin, a compound found in breast milk and what gives it its beneficial qualities.
What are the benefits of Onnit MCT Oil? What makes it unique? How does it measure up to other brands? Does it live up to its advertised claims?
These are just some of the questions I will try to answer in the following paragraphs.
What is Onnit MCT Oil?
It stands for medium-chain-triglycerides. In recent years, triglycerides have been a subject of controversy because it can supposedly raise the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, clog arteries, and risk a person’s chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.
What people should know is that most triglycerides consumed in the West are what is known as long-chain triglycerides or LCTs. MCTs, do not come with the same health risks as LCTs do because they are absorbed and converted to energy quickly by the body.
MCTs are also known as MCFAs, which is short for medium-chain fatty acids. Studies have shown that the typical American diet is low in MCTs. This is because of the long-standing false belief that all kinds of saturated fats are dangerous.
There have been plenty of recent scientific studies that disprove this belief. This is the reason why many health experts, fitness enthusiasts, and professional athletes are now using MCTs and experiencing its many benefits.
Onnit products come from coconut that has been processed to achieve almost 100% purity. It is one of the best sources of MCTs. Around half of the fatty acids in coconut oil are MCTs.
Being a socially responsible brand, Onnit does not use palm oil even though it is much cheaper.
The cultivation of palm trees for palm oil has been proven harmful to the environment, and they do not want to have any part in that.
Onnit MCT Oils also uses coconut oil because it is an excellent source of lauric acid. Studies have shown that C12 serves as a slow-burning fuel for the body. This is the reason why this product is perfect for those who are following a low-carb ketogenic diet.
MO does not need to be refrigerated. You just need to make sure to close the bottle after every use and store it in a cool, dry place.
If you are looking for stores near me, you will not have a problem because it is widely available in stores such as Walmart, Costco, GNC, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. Online, you can order MCT oils through Amazon.
.
Is Onnit MCT Oil Organic?
In its advertisements and write-ups, there were no mentions that this product is organic.
What About Lauric Acid?
Lauric acid (C12H24O2) is a type of MCT that is found in foods that have saturated fat. It is also found in palm oil and butter from grass-fed animals, but coconut oil contains the highest level of C12H24O2.
C12H24O2 is an important MCT because it is a precursor to a beneficial compound known as monolaurin.
Human breast milk contains monolaurin. It has antimicrobial properties and can stabilize mammalian cell walls.
What Are the Benefits & Side Effects?
Here are the benefits:
- It can help lower your chances of acquiring heart disease
A study published in 1981 looked at the diets of two groups of people living in the Polynesian atoll, namely, the Tokelauans and the Pukapukans.
What’s interesting about these two groups is that they consume a lot of coconuts, which means that they are consuming large amounts of saturated fats from MCTs. Despite this, heart disease is almost unheard of in both groups.
In a more recent study published in 2014, researchers concluded that consumption of coconut oil results in a decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These studies prove that saturated fats from MCTs are beneficial to one’s health.
- It is good for weight loss and weight management
If you want to lose weight, then you would be delighted to know that product can help you achieve your goal. MCTs are quickly metabolized by the liver. This means that they are less likely to be stored as fat compared to long-chain fatty acids.
In a study published in 2009, 40 obese women were asked to either consume one ounce of coconut oil or one ounce of soybean oil every day for 12 weeks. Women in both groups lost weight after 12 weeks.
However, those who consumed coconut oil saw a decrease in waist circumference, while those who consumed soybean oil saw an increase in waist circumference.
In another study conducted in 2015, it was discovered the MCTs, particularly C12H24O2, are rapidly metabolized by the liver, making it quick energy. C12H24O2 also diffuses freely across the mitochondrial membrane in the liver.
In comparison, other fatty acids require carnitine to diffuse. This makes C12H24O2 a more efficient source of energy compared to other fatty acids.
It can also help you feel full and satisfied for a long time. This is because MO has a positive effect on leptin receptors.
This means that by consuming MO, you can avoid needless snacking that can lead to the consumption of unnecessary calories.
- It is a strong natural antimicrobial
You’ve probably already heard of the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The spread of these bugs is linked to the improper use of antibiotics. C12H24O2 is a natural antimicrobial that is effective in dealing with gram-positive bacteria and viruses and fungi.
Therefore, the use of MCTs can help prevent the occurrence of diseases such as acne, candida, and MRSA, which is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- It can help you to maintain focus and concentration
It is a slow-burning and constant fuel source. This makes it a better fuel source for the brain and can help it maintain focus and concentration for a long time.
It can help you think more clearly, listen better, and make decisions quickly and firmly whenever needed.
Here are some of the known side effects:
Like other brands of MO, may cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach discomfort, irritability, intestinal gas, and essential fatty acid deficiency. You can avoid experiencing any of these side effects by taking it with food.
This product should also be avoided by:
- Pregnant and nursing women
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid consuming MCT oil.
This is because there is not enough information regarding the safety of MO for pregnant and nursing women.
- People with diabetes
People with diabetes are also advised not to consumeMO because it can cause the buildup of ketones, which in turn can pose a problem for people with diabetes.
- People with lover problems
MCTs are mainly processed by the liver. Therefore, it should not be consumed by people with liver disease because it can cause more problems.
To be safe, you should consult your doctor first before you take Onnit MO or any brand for that matter.[/su_note]
Does Onnit MCT Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?
This is something to consider. Onnit recommends the product should not be used if the customer doesn’t refrigerate the bottle. For purposes of maximizing the bioavailability of the phytonutrients, it is best to refrigerate. Otherwise, the product may spoil. Onnit’s product calls for consumers to take 10,000mg of the supplement a day. That’s probably a little bit much. I think about taking one or two 200mg capsules of Aspartame, and you can have the same effect as a teaspoon of Onnit in one dose.
So, I’m curious about the energy value of the product. How many calories is this supposed to provide me per day? Well, you can always go with the devil you know, or the devil you don’t know. But if you’re one of our customers, our staff members, you can find that out right now by clicking on our Web site. You’re saying this supplement is well-designed. It’s not rocket science. It’s a simple formula. If I’m going to take a chance and I don’t know any better, at least I know Onnit has given me a product that is not going to kill me. It will probably help me.
Onnit MCT Oil vs Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil
Bulletproof is a popular brand that introduced Bulletproof coffee to the world. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is just one of its products in a line that also includes protein supplements, food supplements, books, biohacking accessories, and even clothing.
The Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is a pure capric acid (C8) MO that can quickly raise the level of ketones in your body. Like Onnit, it is made from 100% pure coconut oil.
It contains higher amounts of MCT than other brands. However, it is also more expensive. Some people who have bought the product also do not like the bottle design.
One good thing about Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is that it comes in different bottle sizes. So if you just want to try it first, you can purchase a smaller bottle before investing in a bigger one. MCT Onnit Oil, on the other hand, only comes in one bottle size (24 fl. oz.).
It comes with an emulsified variant though that can serve as a non-dairy creamer for your coffee or shakes.
Onnit MCT Oil vs. Sports Research
Sports Research, a company that makes other food supplements meant to improve health and enhance performance. They also make a line of weight loss supplements called Sweet Sweat.
One of the best things about Sports Research is its commitment to quality.
The company also provides third-party testing, and the certificate of analysis is open for anyone to view. They also offer a database of recipes for MCT oil on their website.
Like Onnit, Sports Research also contains beneficial C12H24O2. It also does not contain palm oil. It is available in two bottle sizes.
Some users, however, complained that the bottles tend to leak. Some customers have also reported experiencing diarrhea and headaches after consuming Sports Research.
What Does MCT Oil Do?
Emulsified MCT oil can boost your metabolism. Boosts your energy. Helps burn fat in the process of carbohydrate and sugar breakdown. Produces ketones (a natural metabolite of glucose and fructose) which can provide energy and keto-adaptation. Relieves cravings due to its ability to increase insulin sensitivity. Can be used with or without food. No way to turn MCT into a chelated supplement. Chelation can remove metal ions and minerals (for example copper and zinc) that could bind to minerals such as calcium or magnesium that help maintain healthy calcium levels in the body. Doesn’t help with consuming large quantities of fat. You could use it for ketosis without its becoming an unhealthy fat source, however.
Does Onnit MCT Oil Work?
Advertisements for Onnit claim a lot. Based on experience, however, the product was able to back up its claims with actual results.
Is MCT Oil Actually Good for You?
If you've got a hankering for coconut oil, you can't go wrong with this recipe. In the past, I was a pretty big fan of oil: You could slather it all over toast and have your bagel as a creamy, airy snack. But I didn't think of the reason why I was so keen to slather it all over anything was because of its most common and ubiquitous ingredient: saturated fat, or the kind you have when you eat dairy products or get some sun, plus a bunch of chemicals (like trans fat, which also ups your risk of cancer) that can clog your arteries and increase your bad cholesterol. But while cooking with coconut oil might not be the healthiest thing for you, eating coconut oil is a whole other story. I'd add another ingredient to your foodshed: medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs.
Should You Take MCT oil Everyday?
Yes, you can use MCT oil daily to feel the mood boost and beat stress. Ever since my husband had a serious health scare, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of being healthier and fuller of energy. I’ve been on multiple diets and left one after another feeling empty and unsatisfied. After all the months of no progress, I began to get a little discouraged. Maybe there was something I was doing wrong and my habits had to change?
My last diet was the South Beach Diet and I left it once it became impossible to live without bread and cheese. Then, after many months of no progress, I began to do a little research. MCT oil seemed interesting to me because it was a super easy and clean way to boost your energy, increase your metabolism, and help manage your sugar cravings. With all the side effects, hormones, and chemicals in most of the diet pills and potions out.
Are There Any Negatives to MCT Oil?
Yes, there are some potential negatives to MCT oil consumption. While it is generally considered safe for most people when taken in appropriate amounts, excessive intake can lead to certain issues. Firstly, it is calorie-dense, containing 8.3 calories per gram, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess without accounting for the additional calories.
Moreover, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, cramping, or bloating, especially when first incorporated into their diet. This is because the body may need time to adapt to the high fat content.
Additionally, it can raise blood cholesterol levels, including both LDL ("bad") cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol, which may not be desirable for individuals with existing cardiovascular issues.
Individuals with liver conditions or disorders should exercise caution when consuming, as it is primarily metabolized in the liver. Overloading the liver with excessive MCT oil intake could exacerbate liver problems.
Furthermore, some people may be allergic to coconut oil, a common source, which could lead to allergic reactions when consuming MCT oil derived from coconuts.
Lastly, may interact with certain medications, affecting their absorption or effectiveness. Therefore, individuals taking medications on a regular basis should consult with a healthcare professional before adding MCT oil to their diet.
In summary, while MCT oil offers potential health benefits and is generally safe for most individuals in moderate amounts, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential negatives and consult a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCT Oil Hard on Kidneys?
The impact of MCT oil on the kidneys appears to be relatively minimal and is generally considered safe for individuals with healthy kidney function when used in appropriate amounts. MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the liver, so they do not place a significant burden on the kidneys, which primarily filter waste products from the blood.
However, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or impaired kidney function should exercise caution when consuming MCT oil. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating into their diet.
As with any dietary supplement, moderation is key, and excessive consumption of it may potentially strain the kidneys in individuals with compromised renal function. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with kidney issues to monitor their MCT oil intake and consider their overall dietary fat intake.
Overall, for healthy individuals without kidney problems, it is unlikely to be hard on the kidneys. Nevertheless, anyone with existing kidney conditions should seek personalized medical advice to ensure the safe use of MCT oil in their diet.
Final Words
The final verdict: Onnit deserves all the hype it is getting. Indeed, it is one of the best MCT oils available on the market today. Still, I believe Perfect Keto MCT Oils is the better product.
Why? Because Pure Keto is made from Caprylic acid (C8), which is considered the best type of MCT due to its efficiency in converting into ketones.
.
Perfect Keto is very easy to use. All you need to do is add it to coffee or smoothie if you need a boost of energy.
The best news is, that you can get 15% off if you purchase Perfect Keto and other Perfect Keto products from my site.
