Coconut oil vs. MCT oil – The daily bite of knowledge

Written by Marina Lommel
2 minutes reading time
17. July 2023 zuletzt aktualisiert am 1. August 2023 von
MCT vs Kokosol

In the last Bites of Knowledge, we touched on the properties of MCT oil. Since coconut oil also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), today we will compare coconut oil and MCT oil in an overview.

Du möchtest dich auch gesünder ernähren?

hero manu2
Property Coconut oil MCT oil
Fatty acid composition 45-53% lauric acid (C12)

8-10% palmitic acid

17-21% myristic acid

5-10% oleic acid

5-10% caprylic acid (C8)

5-8 % Capric acid (C10)

2-4 % stearic acid

1-3% linoleic acid

Depending on the product changing ratio of

Lauric acid (C12)
Capric acid (C10)
Caprylic acid (C8)
Caproic acid (C6), rare.

“XCT oil” contains only capric and caprylic acid,
“C8 oil” caprylic acid only.

Source Coconut meat Coconut oil and/or palm oil, depending on the manufacturer.
Application Roasting, baking, refining hot dishes & drinks. For dressings, to refine cold or hot dishes or drinks. Not suitable for frying, for baking only at not too hot temperature.
Starts smoking at 190 ° C 120 ° C
Melts at 23-26 ° C (liquid in summer) -5 °C (liquid at room temperature)
Effect on the body Has antibacterial effect, contains traces of vitamins and minerals. Lauric acid: deters ticks and has antimicrobial effects, but most often causes digestive problems of all medium-chain fatty acids.

Capric acid: Has a particularly positive effect on thermogenesis and thus energy consumption and ketone body formation – “metabolic effect”.

Caprylic Acid: Acts primarily on ketone body formation and may eventually cross the blood-brain barrier to serve as an energy source – “brain boosting effect”.

Caproic acid: No known special effect.

There is no “better” or “worse” here. Both have different properties. The proportion of fatty acids, which have a stimulating effect on the metabolism and promote the formation of ketone bodies, is higher in MCT oil (it is best to contain only C10 and C8 here). For this you can bake with coconut oil, fry and still have a few vitamins and minerals at the start.

Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.

The daily* bite of knowledge

This new section is intended to provide a brief look at topics in nutrition science.

(* almost daily)

This article was written by

Marina Lommel

Marina gründete Foodpunk nach ihrem Abschluss in Ernährungswissenschaften und ist aktuell CEO des Unternehmens. Während ihres Studiums arbeitete sie in verschiedenen Bereichen, darunter in der Wissenschaftsredaktion beim Radio, Redaktion beim TV und Uni-Wissensmagazin sowie im Labor am DZNE in der Parkinsonforschung. Marina ist außerdem Autorin von 5 ernährungswissenschaftlichen Sachbüchern.

Similar posts by Foodpunk

Auf Zucker verzichten Foodpunk
8 minutes reading time

Why you should give up sugar from now on

Give up sugar? There are many good reasons. Your blood work, weight and mood will thank you!

Ketogene Ernährung bei Diabees
4 minutes reading time

Diabetes and keto

Does keto help with diabetes? Should every diabetic follow a ketogenic diet? Read what to look for in our article.

Cholesterin ist wichtig
2 minutes reading time

Cholesterol as a basis – The daily bite of knowledge

Far too often, people rant about the "evil cholesterol." But do you actually know what cholesterol is used for in the body?

IMG 9976
9 minutes reading time

How are ketone bodies formed?

That ketone bodies are supposed to be good, we have somehow heard before. Also that they occur when you eat very few carbohydrates. But where in the body are these ketone bodies produced exactly? And how does that work?

Immunsystem stärken
3 minutes reading time

5 tips for a bear strong immune system

If you want to give your immune system a real power boost, take these 5 food punk tips to heart.

Wie werden Ketonkorper zu Energie
8 minutes reading time

How do ketone bodies become energy?

Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and then enter the blood. They are small and well soluble in water. This allows them to be wonderfully transported throughout the body.

Cheat Day oder Refeed
2 minutes reading time

Cheat Day vs. Refeed – The Daily Bite of Knowledge

In a so-called refeed, you specifically eat a higher amount of carbohydrates than usual at a meal. A healthy refeed should not be confused with a cheat day.

Warum ein Refeed
4 minutes reading time

What is a refeed suitable for? – The daily bite of knowledge

A refeed is useful for all people who follow a very low-carbohydrate diet (under 30-50 g of carbohydrates per day) for a longer period of time and do this diet for more fitness, well-being and a weight loss.

Was sind eigentlich MCTs
3 minutes reading time

What are MCTs? – The daily bite of knowledge

The abbreviation MCT stands for middle chain triglyceride.

Back to overview