Most people are not aware of a ketogenic diet. They think of it as just another diet that will help them lose weight for a short period and then make them gain it back even faster. However, with this diet, it is important to understand its purposes and benefits before making any judgments.
What is a ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a moderate protein, high fat and low carb diet. The purpose of this diet is to make your body reach the metabolic state of ketosis.
Ketosis is when your body does not have glycogen so it looks for other sources of fuel to function. When it reaches ketosis, your liver begins to process fat and it becomes the main fuel source of your body.
The benefits of this diet
Weight Loss
This is the main reason why people opt for diets. Since fat is the main source of energy, your body will be actively burning fat instead of looking for glucose.
When your body is in the state of ketosis, the sugar levels and insulin levels drop. When this happens, the fat cells begin to release the water they had contained in them, and this is when significant amounts of weight begins to drop. With the water leaving, the fat cells are small enough to enter the bloodstream and into the liver so they can be turned into ketones.
Controlled appetite
When your diet does not have too many carbs in it, you will begin to notice how you are not feeling as hungry as you normally do or getting unhealthy food cravings. People that adapt to the ketogenic diet can easily do intermittent fasting where they only need food at specific times during the day. All the cravings of donuts or potato chips will be eliminated.
Improved mental focus
When the main energy source for your body is carbs, the blood sugar levels of your body will be fluctuating (sometimes rising and sometimes falling). Since this energy source will not be consistent, it will be hard for your brain to stay focused on one thing for extended periods.
Luckily, when you are in ketosis, your brain will be using the ketones as their energy sources. This source will be consistent, which means you will be able to focus on one thing for longer periods.
Higher energy levels
Your body only has the ability to store a certain amount of glycogen and due to this, you will need to eat over and over so your energy levels are high. However, there already is enough fat in your body and it does not need more. When your body is in the state of ketosis, it will have energy that will not run out. Because of this, you will be more energized throughout the course of the day.
Lower blood pressure levels
Having high blood pressure means you will be prone to heart problems in the future. Luckily, a keto diet is great at keeping the blood pressure levels low. People that have high blood pressure can adapt to the keto diet and notice how their blood pressure levels are controlled. Sometimes, they are able to get off their blood pressure medication because of how they get regulated.
These are the main benefits of a ketogenic diet. The people that promote a healthy lifestyle can opt for this diet and notice their life change.
