There are three types of fatty acids, based on the number of carbon atoms in their structure. Short chain fatty acids have less than six carbons, while long chain fatty acids – such as Omega 3s – have thirteen to twenty-one. Coconut oil is an MCT – a medium chain fatty acid – with between six and twelve carbons.
MCTs are a good source of essential healthy fats because they’re broken down, digested, and absorbed more easily by your body than longer chain fats.