Coconut Oil

Overview

Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide rapid energy for the brain and support ketone production. MCTs (C8, C10) are converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate), which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria, supporting mitochondrial function especially when glucose metabolism is impaired. The ATP produced from ketone metabolism supports neurotransmitter synthesis, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance. Coconut Oil / MCT Oil provides MCTs (C8, C10), rapid energy for brain, supports ketone production, and can be used in smoothies, baking, or small-portion use.

Recipes

2 recipes containing this food

Chocolate Quinoa Crisp Clusters

A delicious cereal-to-snack hybrid with satisfying crunch, steady energy, and a low glycemic profile. Perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking.

Turmeric Lentil Dahl

Turmeric- and ginger-spiced lentil dish rich in fibre, folate, and polyphenols

Substances

4 substances in this food

Capric Triglyceride (Tridecanoin)

Medium-chain triglyceride (C10) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production

Caproic Triglyceride (Tricaproin)

Medium-chain triglyceride (C6) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production

Caprylic Triglyceride (Trioctanoin)

Medium-chain triglyceride (C8) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production

MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)

Medium-chain fatty acids (C8, C10) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production

Preparation Notes

• Use in smoothies, baking, or small portions
• Part of MCT strategy for brain energy
• Supports ketone production
• Antimicrobial properties for gut health

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Capric Triglyceride (Tridecanoin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Capric triglyceride (C10) is converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the liver, which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria; ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Caproic Triglyceride (Tricaproin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Caproic triglyceride (C6) is converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the liver, which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria; ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Caprylic Triglyceride (Trioctanoin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Caprylic triglyceride (C8) is converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the liver, which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria; ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	MCTs are converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the liver, which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria; ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Capric Triglyceride (Tridecanoin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Ketones produced from capric triglyceride provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism; ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance by ensuring adequate energy for neuronal function
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Caproic Triglyceride (Tricaproin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Ketones produced from caproic triglyceride provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism; ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance by ensuring adequate energy for neuronal function
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Caprylic Triglyceride (Trioctanoin)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Ketones produced from caprylic triglyceride provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism; ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance by ensuring adequate energy for neuronal function
Neurotransmitter Regulation	MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Ketones produced from MCTs provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism; ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance by ensuring adequate energy for neuronal function

References

• Coconut Oil / MCT Oil: MCTs (C8, C10), rapid energy for brain, supports ketone production - Smoothies, baking, small-portion use
• Antimicrobial Lipids: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil, coconut oil), caprylic acid - Direct inhibition of pathobionts (Candida, C. difficile) without harming commensals