A Quick Guide to MCT Oil in Coffee

Jake Bonneman All About Coffee
5 minute read

There are a lot of different ways to enjoy coffee. Some people refuse to take their coffee any way but black.

But for others, adding a little something-something to their cup of java is the only way they can get down with it.

People add a variety of things—from plant-based milks to heavy cream, from sugar substitutes to chocolate syrup.

Some people even add YAK BUTTER to their coffee. (They do, I saw it on Anthony Bourdain.) Hey, I'm not judging—to each their own.

But there is an increasingly large group of people—many of them celebs—who are into something called "bulletproof coffee," which contains grass-fed butter and MCT oil.

If you're into keto at all, you’ve probably heard of bulletproof coffee, and you probably understand the reasoning behind using butter as a coffee additive.

But what the heck is “MCT Oil?”

What the Heck MCT Oil Is

MCT oil is a type of man-made extraction that is derived from natural sources like coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It's made up of medium-chain triglycerides (where the "MCT" comes from), which are a type of saturated fat.

MCT oil is clear, odorless, and flavorless, so if you add it into your coffee, it doesn't add any extra flavor but can provide a number of health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of MCT Oil in Coffee

Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs are not usually stored as fat because the body can convert them into energy much more rapidly—they are processed differently, and absorbed more easily and quickly. In other words, they can be used as a very efficient (and quick) source of energy.

When you drink coffee with MCT oil, the medium-chain triglycerides are converted into energy nearly instantly. Since they don't need to be digested, they bypass the digestive system and go straight to the liver for faster processing.

In addition to providing a quick source of energy, MCTs also have a host of other health benefits. For example, research shows that they may assist with managing blood sugar levels.

Other studies show that MCT oil and a ketogenic diet may help manage conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism

But one of the main reasons people add MCT oil to their coffee (particularly in conjunction with the keto diet) is that it may help people lose weight by increasing the body's ability to burn fat, increasing feelings of stomach "fullness," and even potentially improving the gut environment as well.

Those are a lot of health perks for just adding a tablespoon or two of oil to your coffee—but as you can see, the benefits are all backed up by science.

So now, there’s really just one question…

Are there Any Drawbacks to Adding MCT Oil to Coffee?

Well, first of all, some people will never quite take to the texture of coffee with MCT oil in it. But with that out of the way, yes, there are some other potential drawbacks:

For instance:

Some reports about the benefits of MCT Oil vary, with some people saying they feel hungrier, and other people saying they feel more full.
There are also some potential health concerns to watch out for, such as fat accumulation in the liver.

So, while plenty of people out there are already doing it—as a fatty oil, it's not really something you should just start adding to every cup of coffee simply because it's popular. Definitely ask your doctor or a nutrition professional about MCT Oil before you start adding it to your coffee, especially if you have any existing health conditions.

Also keep in mind that, in general, whole food sources can be healthier than supplements—and whole foods may also provide additional benefits. So, incorporating things like coconut oil, or other healthy, whole foods that contain significant amounts of MCTs into your diet (such as yogurt) may be a better option than using MCT oil by itself.

Of course, if you're on a keto diet, that might not be something you can do. That's why it's important to ask your doctor or a qualified nutrition professional about it—because everyone's health situation is unique.

How to Use MCT Oil in Coffee

Now that we've all spoken to our doctors and know all about some potential benefits and drawbacks of adding MCT oil to coffee—you may be wondering how much you're supposed to add, exactly.

Most people simply add 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil to their morning cup of joe and stir it well until it's blended. If you're not used to the taste or texture of MCT oil, start with a smaller amount and work your way up.

As with anything else, it's important to listen to your body and figure out what works best for you.

So there you have it—a quick guide to MCT oil and coffee. At the end of the day, only you can decide if this trendy new addition is worth the hype!

Just be sure to watch out for potential drawbacks, and enjoy your newfound superpowers responsibly.

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