Does MCT Oil Break Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a popular dietary approach that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. Research has shown that this type of fasting may improve blood sugar levels, enhance longevity, and increase brain health. But when MCT oil is added to the mix, it can be a different story.
MCT oil is a type of fat made up of medium-chain triglycerides. Though it’s high in calories, it’s known for its quick energy boost and its potential health benefits, like increased fat burning and improved mental clarity. But does MCT oil break intermittent fasting?
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an approach to eating that involves alternating periods of not eating and eating. This could include going 16 hours without eating and then consuming all of your meals during the remaining 8 hours of the day. Or, it could involve fasting one or two days out of the week while eating normally the other days.
The goal of intermittent fasting is to reduce overall calorie consumption, which may result in weight loss and improved metabolic health. However, when MCT oil is added to the equation, it could potentially break the fast.
Does MCT Oil Break Intermittent Fasting?
The short answer is yes, MCT oil does break a fast. While near-zero calorie drinks like water and black coffee don’t raise insulin levels and will not break a fast, MCT oil is a high-calorie food and can break a fast.
In fact, any caloric intake will break a fast. So even if you’re only taking 1 teaspoon of MCT oil, it will be enough to break your fast and kick your body out of the fat-burning state.
MCT Oil and Intermittent Fasting: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to reap the benefits of intermittent fasting, it’s best to avoid consuming any type of calorie, including MCT oil. If you’re looking to add MCT oil to your diet, it’s best to do so outside of your fasting period.
However, it’s important to note that clinically, a small dosage of MCT oil (less than 1 teaspoon) may not break your fast. So if you’re looking for a quick energy boost or need to take a supplement during a fast, this small dose of MCT oil may be enough to give you the boost you need without breaking your fast.
The Bottom Line
MCT oil can provide a variety of health benefits, such as increased fat burning and improved mental clarity. However, it’s important to note that while a small dose of MCT oil may not break your fast, any caloric intake will break a fast. So if you’re looking to reap the benefits of intermittent fasting, it’s best to avoid consuming any type of calorie, including MCT oil.
Can drinking coffee with MCT oil interrupt a fast?
It is advised to only consume a small amount of MCT oil while fasting, such as 4-5 capsules (1-2 teaspoons) with a low calorie or calorie free beverage like coffee. This should not be done to provide energy, because that would defeat the purpose of fasting.
What is the reason that MCT oil does not require a period of fasting?
The use of MCT oil in small doses will not cause a spike in blood sugar that would potentially break a fast. In fact, it may even help to extend the duration of fasting since it does not stimulate an insulin response in the body.
Can drinking a cup of coffee with butter and MCT oil interrupt a period of fasting?
Yes, consuming bulletproof coffee will break your fast because it contains calories.
Does consuming MCT oil accelerate the process of entering ketosis?
When consumed, MCTs are quickly broken down into ketones, which then act as fuel for the body and brain. As the body uses more ketones for fuel, the body produces more ketones, leading to an increase in ketone production.
If you’re interested in learning more about fasting and the benefits it can provide, check out Fasting Books. Our collection of books covers a variety of fasting methods, including intermittent fasting, extended fasting, and time-restricted eating. With our expert guidance, you can achieve your health goals and experience the benefits of fasting.
