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Health benefits of a ketogenic diet

The health benefits of a ketogenic diet are the reason why this low-carb diet is so popular. It involves the elimination of carbs either entirely or partially from the diet. So you can go completely off carbs or partially depending on what is comfortable for you. Your diet will involve eating foods high in fats; include some proteins and minimal carbs if any. Ideally, fats should make up 60 percent of the diet, proteins 35 percent and carbs 5 percent.

What do you eat on a keto diet?

The foods that you eat on the ketogenic diet are proteins and fats. So you can have eggs, dairy products such as cheese, cream, and butter. You can also eat as much fish, chicken, beef and other meats as you want. Also, nuts, avocados and healthy oils such as coconut and olive oils are also allowed in the diet.

Ketones

The term keto in ketogenic comes from the word ketosis which is a state where the body gets its energy from ketones rather than glucose. Ketones are substances that result from the breakdown of fats for energy. So, on the keto diet, your body will get its energy from fats rather than glucose since you will end up eating minimal carbs.

Ketosis

When you get on the keto diet the ketones in your blood rise until you get to a state called ketosis. Ketosis results in some changes in the body which are the basis for the benefits of the ketogenic diet. As a result of ketosis, the body experiences lots of beneficial changes and health benefits.

Some health benefits of a ketogenic diet

Helps you control your appetite

Some people may not know the difference between Paleo Vs Keto Vs Atkins. But If you want to lose weight one of the things you need to control is your appetite. The ketogenic diet requires you to cut down on carbs and eat lots of proteins and fats. You should also eat lots of green vegetables. Proteins, fats and fiber-rich vegetables are filling as compared to carbs. As a result, they will help you reduce your appetite and cravings keeping you sated for extended periods of time after a meal.

Fast weight loss

If you want to lose weight fast, a ketogenic diet is one of the best ways. Reducing carbs lowers insulin levels and causes the body to shed excess sodium. When the body shed excess sodium, it leads to loss of water weight which will significantly cut down on weight. Also, the process of ketosis helps to lose weight quickly by burning fats for energy in place of carbohydrates.

Blood sugar balance

When you eliminate sugar and carbs from your diet, you essentially lower or balance glucose levels in the body. Hence, by cutting down carbs and taking more fats and proteins, you will be able to balance your blood sugar through your diet.

Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a healthy reaction in the body that helps it heal itself and fight illnesses. However, when in excess, inflammation can lead to chronic ailments. The keto diet is an excellent way to control inflammation in the body. When you cut-off or reduce carbohydrates from your diet, you will reduce inflammation because sugar is a major source of inflammation.

Stabilize energy levels

Fats and proteins are a more reliable source of energy than carbohydrates. They give the body a consistent source of fuel and are filling. Hence, on a ketogenic diet, you will be able to go for hours without feeling hungry and with stable energy levels.

Help fight diseases

The keto diet can assist the body fight metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity and type 2 diabetes among others ailments. When you balance blood sugars, reduce inflammation and cut down on excess weight the elimination of these metabolic illnesses is one of the benefits.

Overall, the health benefits of a ketogenic diet make it one of the best diets to follow. However, it is not ideal for all people. For example, people suffering from certain ailments such as gallbladder disease will not do well on the keto diet. Also, pregnant and lactating women should not go on the keto diet. Hence, it’s important to consult your doctor before you embark on this diet to ensure that it is right for you.

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