Coconut oil or MCT oil?

Coconut oil & mct oil are known to almost everyone! They are both a good source of good fats and suitable for the paleo and carnivore diet, but what exactly is the difference between the types?

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. It is a solid at room temperature, but melts quickly at temperatures above 25 degrees. The pleasant coconut flavor of coconut oil makes it popular to use in the kitchen. Coconut oil contains several fatty acids, including medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs.

What is MCT oil?

MCT oil is oil that consists purely of MCTs - unlike MCTs and other fats. Coconuts are the most concentrated source of MCTs, which is why MCT oil is usually made from coconuts.

Coconut Oil vs. MCT Oil: What's the Difference?

Coconut oil and MCT oil are not the same! There are major differences between the two types of oil that affect their taste, use and nutritional profile. Some important differences are;

• MCT concentration - The biggest difference between coconut and MCT oil is the composition of the fatty acids. Coconut oil contains few MCTs, while MCT oil contains 100% MCTs.
  
  
• Fatty acid composition - Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides & long chain triglycerides, while MCT oil contains only medium chain triglycerides. Coconut oil mainly consists of lauric acid also known as C12, while MCT oil mainly contains caprylic acid C8 and capric acid C10.

• Coconut oil is suitable for frying at a higher temperature, while MCT oil is most suitable for bulletproof coffee or making mayonnaise, for example.
  
  
• Coconut oil has a subtle scent of coconut while MCT oil is neutral in taste and odor.

• MCT oil is more easily converted into energy in the body compared to coconut oil. This makes MCT oil a more suitable supplement for increasing energy
  
  
• MCT oil tends to be a little more expensive than coconut oil because MCT oil is 100% MCTs. The processing is also more complicated and therefore MCT oil is often more expensive.

Are coconut oil & MCT oil paleo-proof?

Coconut oil and MCT oil both come from coconuts that would also have been naturally available in paleo times! So the answer is yes!