Pouring two sachets of oil into my coffee at Caffe Nero, I’m given an odd look from the barista. No, I haven’t developed some strange olive oil addiction. I’m trialling Ancient + Brave’s True MCT Oil, which claims to boost your metabolism, support fat-burning abilities and keep appetite satiated for longer, as well as improving brain function and energy levels. All things I need.
My energy is low at the moment and, as summer approaches, my joy is diminished when I try on my white jeans and see sausage-like thighs. Liz Hurley I am not, and I could do with dropping half a stone. So, with fans including TV personality Kourtney Kardashian and actress Halle Berry, I’m keen to give MCT oil a try.
‘MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides (medium-length fatty acid chains) and what makes them distinct is the way they are metabolised in the body,’ explains Dr Jenna Macciochi, director of Science and Innovation at Ancient + Brave.
MCTs contain fats that are absorbed rapidly and go straight to the liver, where they are converted into ketones for energy rather than being stored as fat, making them an efficient fuel source. This boosts metabolism and makes you feel fuller for longer, thus reducing the desire to attack the cake tin.
MCTs are naturally occurring fatty acids found in coconut oil, so why can’t I just pop down to the supermarket and get some actual coconut oil under a generic label, I ask Dr Jenna?
She explains that the true, quality product comprises coconut oil solely containing a blend of two MCTs called caprylic acid and capric acid, which are most rapidly converted into ketones by the liver.
As MCT oil has fans including reality star Kourtney Kardashian and actress Halle Berry, Beatrice Aidin was keen to give it a try
Could this enhanced coconut oil help me shift the accumulation of Mini Eggs on the scales? MCT is tasteless and has a smooth texture, so you can drink it neat or pour it in coffee
Regular coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which is technically classified as an MCT but is metabolised more like a long-chain fatty acid and largely absorbed via the lymphatic system, not converted rapidly to ketones.
With their appetite-suppressing qualities, MCTs can be seen as nature’s Ozempic (though Ancient + Brave doesn’t make that claim).
Despite wanting to shift a few pounds, I haven’t wanted to go down the fat-jab route.
Firstly, I’m not in the weight bracket to merit fat jabs. Then there’s the cost. I’m also concerned about the effect fat jabs could have on my eyesight.
The suggestion that GLP-1s could affect eyesight – Robbie Williams, for example, claims he has blurred vision which he believes may be linked to his use of the jabs – is enough to put me off.
So could this enhanced coconut oil – with no eye risks – help me shift the accumulation of Mini Eggs on the scales? It was certainly worth a try, I thought.
MCT is tasteless and has a smooth texture, so you can drink it neat or pour it on food or in coffee. It comes in a large 500ml bottle for home (£29, ancientandbrave.earth) and in convenient 10ml sachets (£18 for 15) to keep in your handbag. There are plenty of other brands too – look in Holland & Barrett, Planet Organic or your local pharmacy.
I now take four teaspoons a day – in the morning, at lunchtime, teatime and one in the evening. Don’t do what I did and go totally gung-ho from the off.
Instead of building up from one 5ml teaspoon for the first few days as advised, I started with 10ml in my coffee and, well, let’s just say it’s fortunate I work from home with close proximity to the bathroom. By week three I was up to 20ml of MCT and all digestive issues had disappeared.
After six weeks, I’ve lost five pounds – around a healthy pound a week – without dieting or deprivation.
My blood sugar seems more stable throughout the day and my sleep is deeper – though it’s harder to avoid the snooze button in the morning.
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MCT is also said to support brain health and potentially increase mental clarity, which is of particular interest to me.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD, which means I’m easily distracted and have unpredictable bursts of tunnel vision. Could MCT help there too? ADHD is a neurological condition and I’m less jumpy and calmer even after three weeks of my trial.
I’m also convinced MCT has helped with a shoulder injury I’ve had for six months.
Although Ancient + Brave make no such claims, I feel my joints have had a blast of WD-40, my flexibility is back and I’m not in pain.
My skin is softer, I’ve lost weight, have a more stable mood, more concentration, and improved joint health. Who knew all this power could come from the humble coconut, and with no pina colada in sight?
