Anne W. Hansen 
A keto diet refers to a ketogenic diet, that is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet. The aim is to get more calories from protein and fat than from carbs. It functions by burning your body of its store of sugar. Therefore your body will start to break down protein and fat for energy which causes ketosis and weight loss.
The Atkins diet is one of the most popular versions of the keto diet.
The Benefits of The Keto Diet
Here are some advantages of a keto diet.
Helps in Weight Loss
Because of this, a ketogenic diet can help speed up weight loss as it takes more work to turn fat into energy than it takes to turn carbs into energy. Since this diet contains high protein, so it doesn’t leave you hungry as other diets do.
Minimize the Risk of Cancer
The ketogenic diet has been researched recently for how it may help prevent or even cure certain cancers.
One study discovered that the ketogenic diet may be an apt complementary treatment to chemotherapy and radiation in people suffering from cancer. This is because of the fact that it would cause more oxidative stress in cancer cells than in normal cells.
Other studies suggest that since the ketogenic diet deplete high blood sugar, it could also decrease insulin complications, which may be linked with some cancers.
Minimize Acne
There are a lot of several causes of acne. Among them, one may be related to diet and blood sugar. Eating junk food which is high in processed and refined carbohydrates can modify gut bacteria and cause more dramatic blood sugar fluctuations.
Both of them can have an influence on skin health. Hence, by decreasing carb intake through a ketogenic diet could minimize some cases of acne.
Promote Brain Functioning
Some studies said that the keto diet provides neuroprotective benefits. These may help cure or prevent health conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even some sleep disorders.
One study also found that children following a ketogenic diet had enhanced alertness and cognitive functioning. Yet more research is needed into the keto diet and the brain
Enhance The Heart Health
If the ketogenic diet is obeyed in a healthy manner, then there is some evidence that the diet can boost heart health by depleting cholesterol.
One study described that HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels significantly raised in those people following the keto diet. Also, the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreases significantly.
Reduces Seizures Possibly
It’s believed that the fusion of fat, protein, and carbs changes the way the body uses energy, resulting in ketosis. Ketosis is an elevated level of ketone bodies in the blood.
Ketosis can result in a depletion in seizures in people suffering from epilepsy. Yet more researches are needed in order to see how effective this actually is, though it appears to be most fruitful on children who have focal seizures.
Enhance Health in Women With Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS refers to an endocrine disorder which causes enlarged ovaries with cysts. Diet with a high carbohydrate can negatively affect those suffering from PCOS.
Clinical studies on the ketogenic diet and PCOS are scarce. One pilot study which involved 5 women over a 24-week period found that the ketogenic diet:
- Enhance weight loss
- Help in hormone balance
- Improved luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios
- Boost fasting insulin
Yet more research is crucial in this issue.
What Are The Risks and Complications of Keto Diet??
The ketogenic diet may have different health benefits such as quick weight loss. But it’s crucial to note that following on the ketogenic diet for a long time can have an adverse effect on your health.
These include increased risk of following health condition:
- Kidney stone formation
- Acidosis (high levels of acid in the blood)
- Severe weight loss or muscle degeneration (for long-term use)
The immediate side effects of the diet may include:
- Constipation
- Tardiness
- Low blood sugar
The Bottom Line
Any kind of prominent change in your diet can have implicit results in your health. Due to this, you should always consult your doctor or a nutritionist before initiating a new diet.
If you want to initiate the keto diet, you should be extra cautious to consult with your doctor if you are suffering from diabetes, hypoglycemia, or heart disease.
The ketogenic diet promotes the removal of refined and processed carbohydrates. However, not all carbohydrates are manufactured equally.
Many health benefits come from a diet that contains a variety of nutrient-dense, fibrous carbs, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
