Things to know about Keto Diet

Why Does Keto Diet Work?

When consumption of carbs falls to less than 50 grams daily, the body does not have enough glucose to use for energy and hence the liver starts converting body fat into ketones, which are then used to provide energy to the body.

In the state of ketosis, ketones replace glucose as your body's primary source of fuel, thus enabling fat loss and as a result, weight loss.

Benefits of Keto Diet

1. Supports weight loss

A keto diet plan assists in weight loss in many ways, including reducing appetite and boosting metabolism. The food consumed in this diet keeps you feeling full for a longer time. thus making it easier to manage your appetite.

2. Helps control insulin levels

Studies have proven that blood sugar and insulin levels could be significantly controlled by cutting carbohydrates. Studies also show that people with diabetes who followed the keto diet, could take a 50% lower dose of insulin. Around 95% of participants in the study, reduced or even stopped taking medication to lower blood sugar levels within six months.

3. Improves good cholesterol levels (HDL) and controls bad cholesterol (LDL)

HDL levels are seen to be increased & LDL levels are reduced by following a low-carb diet, thereby lowering risk of heart disease.

4. Helps in lowering blood pressure

A low-carb diet lowers blood pressure levels, which in turn reduces the risk of many other diseases.

5. Reduces acne

In some people, acne is caused due to high insulin levels and an unhealthy diet. A diet high in refined and processed carbs, alters gut bacteria and affects digestion, also leading to significant changes in your blood sugar. So, some people find that following a keto diet acts as a stabilizer and clears their acne.

6. Decreases risk of certain types of cancers

Insulin lets your body store glucose as fuel and since you burn through this fuel quickly when your body is in ketosis, cancer cell growth slows down. Researchers have found that following a keto diet plan can be used in conjunction with other treatments for cancer.

7. Protect brain function

Some studies suggest that the ketones generated provide neuroprotective benefits such as protecting and strengthening brain cells.

A Word of Caution

Always consult a nutritionist or a medical practitioner before you make major changes to your diet and lifestyle, especially if you are obese or have other serious health conditions. Usually, most side effects of following a keto diet are minor such as constipation, indigestion, headaches or mild flu-like symptoms.

However, burning stores of fat can sometimes be hard on your kidneys. So going on a keto diet and going back to a normal diet can be tricky. Hence, medical supervision and advice is essential if you want to avoid serious adverse effects on your health.