Activstar - Activ MCT oil 500 ml

7 health benefits of MCT oil
Proponents of MCT oil have credited it as a dietary supplement with a number of proven health benefits. Here's what the science says.

1. Blood sugar
Studies suggest that a daily dose of MCT oil may help improve insulin sensitivity and promote modest weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.In one small study involving 40 people with type 2 diabetes, those who took MCT oil supplements experienced weight loss as well as a reduction in waist circumference and insulin resistance

2. Brain health
MCTs are transformed into ketones, which support the brain's fuel supply as the brain can use them as an alternative fuel source (glucose is the brain's primary energy source.) This has sparked interest from some researchers about the possible role MCTs could play in the treatment of certain brain disorders. Some evidence even suggests that MCTs may improve learning, memory and brain function in people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

3. Cardiovascular health
MCTs have been shown to improve cholesterol in both human and animal studies. One study on 24 overweight men found that taking a mixture of MCT oil with flaxseed oil and phytosterols lowered total cholesterol levels by 12.5%. When participants were given a mixture that swapped MCT oil for olive oil, total cholesterol dropped by only 4.7%.
Another study, which appeared in the journal Open Heart, found that MCT oil also increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol), promoting a healthier cholesterol ratio. (18) Other research suggests that because of these effects, MCT oil may also help prevent atherosclerosis - hardening and narrowing of the arteries. (37)
One of the health benefits of MCT oil is that it can help increase your endurance during workouts, further aiding your weight management goals.

4. Exercise performance
Because MCT oil is rapidly digestible, some studies suggest that it may serve as an effective source of energy during exercise. (27) One recent study appearing in the journal PLoS ONE reports that dietary MCT oil increases both performance and endurance. (39) This corroborates earlier research reporting that MCTs improved endurance in recreational athletes participating in high-intensity exercise. (23)

5. Gastrointestinal health
MCT oil promotes a healthier microbiome by supporting bacterial diversity while strengthening the intestinal barrier. This can help prevent dysbiosis and improve gastrointestinal and metabolic health. (25)
According to an article published in Practical Gastroenterology, people with pancreatic insufficiency - a condition in which the pancreas cannot produce enough of the enzymes needed to digest food - as well as those who have had part of their stomach or small intestine removed, may see health benefits from MCTs. Specifically, MCT oil can help reduce the excess fecal fat (steatorrhea) that often occurs with these conditions. (28)

6. Inflammation
Inflammation is associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, from brain disorders to heart disease. According to a study in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, MCT oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Earlier research found that MCT oil was more effective than other oils in reducing the body's inflammatory response. In one study involving 60 preterm infants, those who received intravenous MCT oil with omega-3 fatty acids had significantly lower levels of key inflammatory markers compared to those who received an infusion of soybean oil (30).

7. Weight Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 73.6% of American adults are overweight. Of these, 42.5% are considered obese. (36) Studies suggest that MCTs may provide modest benefits to people who want to lose weight. (14) (32) (33)

In one review of 13 studies, researchers found that overweight people who consumed MCTs instead of LCTs experienced greater decreases in overall weight as well as hip and waist circumference. The studies that were evaluated also showed greater loss of total body fat, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat in those who routinely consumed MCT oil daily. (20) These effects may be due to MCT's ability to modulate hormones that regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and promote calorie and fat burning.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon per day