Summary
Vinny Tortorich and Andy Schreiber discuss sugar content versus added sugar on food labels, MCT oil versus coconut oil, and their NSNG (No Sugar No Grains) dietary philosophy. A listener asks whether Onnit's MCT oil is better than regular coconut oil, and Vinny says the advantage actually goes to coconut oil because refined MCT oil can cause stomach distress and diarrhea if you take too much, while coconut oil gives more leeway. Vinny explains the one scenario where MCT oil is preferable: during cold-weather activities like high-altitude hiking or cross-country skiing, since MCT oil stays liquid while coconut oil solidifies. The episode also covers how to read nutrition labels, distinguishing between naturally occurring sugars (like lactose in yogurt) and added sugars, and the difference between whole fruit and juice in terms of glycemic response.
Key Points
- Coconut oil has an advantage over branded MCT oils because it is cheaper and causes less stomach distress
- Refined MCT oil stays liquid in cold temperatures, making it better for high-altitude and winter activities
- All branded MCT oils are derived from coconut oil through a refinement process
- Naturally occurring sugars (like lactose in yogurt) are different from added sugars on nutrition labels
- Eating a whole orange is better than juicing it because fiber slows the glucose spike
- Full-fat yogurt with 4% fat can help negate some of the lactose sugar response
Key Moments
Coconut oil vs branded MCT oil - coconut oil wins for most uses
Vinny Tortorich responds to a listener asking if Onnit's MCT oil is better than coconut oil. He says the advantage goes to coconut oil because it is cheaper, causes less stomach distress, and all MCT oil brands derive their product from coconut oil anyway. The exception is cold-weather activities where MCT oil stays liquid.
"Is there any benefit to taking Onit or now or any other brand over regular coconut oil? I would say the advantage actually goes to coconut oil. And here's why. Although Onit is a good oil and now brand and all these other brands are good oils, if you take a refined coconut oil, which means an MCT oil that they're If you take a little too much, you're going to give yourself a good round of stomach distress."
