Tonik’s Coconut oil is obtained from the dried nut of the coconut palm. It is processed through cold pressing which ensures no heat treatments are used. About 52% to 85% of coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Lauric acid is the major constituent of the fatty acids, followed by caprylic, myristic, and palmitic acids. Coconut oil is the most saturated oil compared with soybean, palm and corn oils; and animal fats such as butter and lard. It contains 76 grams of saturated fatty acids per 100 grams of fat.
Medium-chain fatty acids, also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), undergo rapid metabolism. At physiological pH, MCTs are weak electrolytes and highly ionized, which increases their solubility. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (dietary fat), MCTs don’t require the intestinal lymphatic system or bile salts for absorption.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are not stored in adipose tissues like long-chain fatty acids. Therefore, there is interest in using coconut oil as an alternative fat source for reducing obesity and body fat mass.