There’s a certain saturated fat on the scene that has everyone talking—it’s growing wildly in popularity due to its reputation for improving focus, making energy levels skyrocket, and even aiding in weight loss. It’s called MCT oil, and people are obsessively adding it to their morning cup of coffee.

What Is MCT Oil?

MCT oil is derived from coconut and palm oil; its moniker stands for "medium-chain triglycerides," which are naturally occurring fatty acids. They're easily digested, rapidly used as energy, and metabolized quickly in the liver without being stored as fat. Unsurprisingly, MCT oil has been found to support fat-burning as well as weight management. Athletes commonly use it to enhance body composition (burning fat while building more muscle).

This super-oil has also been shown to improve cognitive function, because it increases the body's production of ketones, which are used as fuel for the brain. Plus, along with fat-burning and brain power, MCT oil can boost the immune system and help fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

BDST: 1240 HRS, APR-29, 2014