Can I fry with Coconut Oil and still get MCT producing BHB from this exogenous source?

bhb
(mike lisanke) #1

For those who cook with lard vs other, can one switch to coconut oil and get some MCT remaining in the result which will create added BHB? Is there a special cooking instruction? e.g. How do I know I’m staying below the reference 320 degree destruction temperature of the MCT’s in the coconut oil? Do I need to cook at a lower stove-top temp? (normal setting for me is 50-60 percent). Thanks for any information!
Best regards, Mike

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #2

Since the three ketone bodies (acetoacetate, acetone, and β-hydroxybutyrate) are intermediate products of all fatty acid metabolism, I’m not sure what you are driving at with this question. Surely any cooking fat will let your body produce β-hydroxybutyrate from it.

(mike lisanke) #3

I’ve read (some where) that the digestive system can shunt MCT into to the liver (rather than absorb as fatty acid) and immediately product BHB. I know you must be aware of people eating MCT oil and/or exogenous ketones (keto esters) to do this and product the correct chiral D- type BHB. Any fat metabolized in the body allows it to produce ketone bodies But producing them quickly based on eating food would be the goal.

(Eve) #4

Is it recommended to use MCT when on the keto diet? I have been using it but have almost run out and was wondering what the benefits actually are and so whether to buy any more . Any suggestions?

(Joey) #5

Well, since you ask, I’ll offer a suggestion…

No, don’t buy any more.

For a healthy individual eating a healthy diet, adding MCT into the mix is just a waste of time and money.

[Not paid for by the MCT Marketing Trade Group]

(mike lisanke) #6

For those interested, the DOD funded a study/program to develop a supplement to produce exogenous (coming from outside) ketones for long lasting fuel for their soldiers who have become keto adapted. The result was the selection of keto ester to form the correct chiral BHB ketone body that can feed the brain. Later (I think) research showed that MCT (medium chain triglycerides) were “shunted” to the liver for special digestive processing and conversion to ketone bodies. If you’re an athlete and routinely using up your store of BHB, or you just want to increase you level to “feed your brain”, then you can buy (expensive) keto esters, keto salts (not as effective and racemic chirality (mixed)) Or you can buy less expensive MCT Oil Or even cheaper Coconut Oil (50% MCTs) and still get a bump in your BHB.

I’m not a PhD/MD or expert in the field, I’m only parroting what I’ve read. Your mileage may vary.

(Peter - Don't Fear the Fat ) #7

I like cooking with ghee, not for health reasons, I just like the texture.
Though I do like Coconut oil (the solid candle waxy stuff) but I use it as a medium for my chocolates… sorry, I know. It’s something else to give up probably.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #8

This sounds very interesting. I don’t suppose you saved the links to the studies? Would love to read more.

(mike lisanke) #9

I found this reference to MCTs absorption difference

MCT Oil 101: A Review of Medium-Chain Triglycerides https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mct-oil-101#metabolism-of-mc-ts

“Unlike longer-chain fatty acids, MCTs go straight to your liver, where they can be used as an instant energy source or turned into ketones. Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat.”

I created a different thread of a book review I did on Ketones, The Fourth Fuel: Warburg to Krebs to Veech, the 250 Year Journey to Find the Fountain of Youth. IMO It’s a great book for those who want to understand biochemistry of Ketosis. And it’s also a good science history book of the luminaries in the field of metabolism and especially lipid metabolism.

(mike lisanke) #10
(Allie) #11

Agreed, based on personal experiences.

(Joey) #12

You’ve pretty much summarized the entire story of my life. Thanks! :vulcan_salute:

(Bob M) #13

It’s true that MCTs often cause ketones to rise. They also are preferentially “burnt”. There’s some evidence they help with weight loss:

Though there’s evidence of bias too.

A study in keto, though also very low calorie:

I’ve tried MCTs and it’s tough to know whether they help or not. At least for me.

(B Creighton) #14

I don’t know of a study, but I believe so, because the MCTs are going to all get turned into ketones in the liver.

I imagine this will depend on your stove. I use a gas stove, and set my large burner at around the 1/3rd setting. I’ve never really measured the temperature this gets to, but I believe in low temperature cooking for several reasons. You are bringing up one - not to damage your oils. I also want to minimize the oxidation of cholesterol in my animal foods - maximum oxidation occurs around 300 F.

(mike lisanke) #15

Aside from measure the stove temperature, does anyone know if you can actually See that it’s elevated above the Oil “smoke point”? Does the “smoke point” actually make the oil smoke above what’s cooking?

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #16

You betcha! But what you really don’t want to have happen is for it to burst into flames. :scream: