If you have not heard of the keto diet, read on to learn more about the latest craze for eating healthier and shedding unwanted weight without starving yourself.
The keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, is not a new concept. In fact, lots of people have been following this method of eating for decades. It is essentially a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on a process called ketosis.
Ketosis is what happens when our bodies run out of glucose, which is the brain’s typical source of fuel. When there is no more glucose, the body starts breaking down ketones, which are fat stores.
The underlying principle of the keto diet is to focus on foods such as meat, eggs, fish, nuts and dairy. This type of diet would not work for vegetarians, and you should always check with your physician before switching up your diet or workout routine. However, research has shown that the keto diet may actually be a great solution for many people.
Here are some of the main benefits of the keto diet:
It could help you lose weight.
Most people change their way of eating because they want to lose weight, and the keto diet can definitely help achieve that goal. First and foremost, the diet helps stave off hunger pangs. A good amount of research that indicates that this high-fat diet is actually good for those who want to lose weight. However, it is important to note that most of the studies in question followed participants over a long period of time, so it is certainly not a crash diet.
It may slow the progression of cancer.
The rates of some types of cancer are on the rise, and the fact that the keto diet may actually help fight cancer is incentive enough for many to try it. It is important to note that the diet will not actually prevent cancer or cure it, but research shows that following a keto diet may actually slow or halt cancer progression in some individuals with certain types of cancers.
It is good for your blood sugar.
Because the keto diet actually eliminates all processed and packaged snack foods from the menu, you will not be eating a lot of refined carbs or added sugars. When these are missing from the diet, it has been shown that insulin sensitivity improves, which is great news for those with type 2 diabetes.
It is good for your brain.
Studies have shown that the keto diet has been linked to the reduction of seizures in those with epilepsy and improvements in some neurological disorders. In fact, some studies have suggested that the diet may even have a positive impact on Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
If you think the keto diet might be a solution for you, talk to your doctor before making such a drastic change to your diet.
