MCT oil is one of the most overlooked and under-utilized supplements in the fitness and health industry.
MCTs are a great addition to any supplement stack, often used to provide a boost of energy, either for day-to-day activities or for exercise.
So, while it’s most commonly known for this, are there any other benefits of MCT oil that we aren’t aware of? How about whether or not it can improve sleep?
Keep reading to find out all you need to know about MCT oil and sleep!
What is MCT Oil?
MCT, also known as medium-chain triglycerides, is normally found in the form of oil, though sometimes it is converted into powder. As the name indicates, MCT contains medium chains of fats called triglycerides.
This is not the typical kind of fat you find in fast foods, they are actually a much healthier form of fat. As they are shorter in length, regarding the molecule chains, they are much easier to digest and absorb. This then provides our body with a much faster boost of energy.
MCT is most commonly extracted from coconut oil, with almost 50% of coconut oil fats being made up of MCTs. This is one of the major reasons why coconut oil has been praised over the years as the healthier alternative to regular oil.
However, coconut is not the only food MCT is found in. Dairy products, such as cheese, also contain it.
MCTs are most commonly used as a way of improving performance. It is thought to increase energy levels, and also potentially help with weight loss and an increase in lean muscle mass.
So, it appears MCT may help improve athletic performance and weight loss, but what about its role in improving sleep?
Why Should You Take MCT Oil Before Bed?
We are all aware of how important sleep is for overall health and wellbeing, but also for performance, mood, and muscle growth and repair. So, whatever you’re doing to achieve your performance and physique goals, sleep should be a top priority.
There are many supplements, remedies, and strategies that you can take and follow to ensure you get a better night's sleep. Though for some of us, this isn’t always enough, and the relentless tossing and turning can become difficult to control night after night.
MCT oil has been shown to potentially reduce insulin spikes associated with the consumption of high GI (fast digesting) carbohydrates. These are the types of carbohydrates you find in potatoes, white rice, and white pasta.
An insulin spike is essentially a build-up of blood glucose, which in the short term can cause restlessness, known to also negatively affect sleep.
MCT helps to maintain these spikes and keep blood sugar levels controlled, which is beneficial when trying to wind down for the evening before going to sleep.
In addition to this, MCTs have also been shown to possibly increase fat oxidation (fat burning) while we sleep.
Our body's primary source of energy comes from carbohydrates, though when we supply our body with more readily available fat, it can be used for energy, thus possibly decreasing body fat and increasing lean body mass.
So, not only is MCT oil a great pick for anyone wanting to improve their health and performance, but it may also prove particularly useful for those who have specific physique goals. Combining this with improved sleep quality, MCT oil may improve your overall chances of achieving your fitness goals.
How to Take MCT Oil Before Bed
As with any supplement, you must follow the dosage guidelines on the product you are using. Too much MCT oil consumed at once may cause GI distress, so ensure your dose is aligned with the guidance.
MCT oil is best taken in protein shakes, smoothies, coffee, salad dressings, or anything else you feel would make a good addition.
Our top pick is Performance Lab MCT, the world’s cleanest, fastest-acting oil-based performance fuel sourced from organic coconuts.
Performance Lab MCT is extremely versatile, so you can take a dose shortly before bedtime and reap the benefits of better quality sleep, and improvements in fat loss and performance results!
