Among the many popular dieting trends that have emerged in recent years, the ketogenic diet has gained notable attention for its touted effectiveness in weight loss. The question on the lips of many individuals seeking to shed excess pounds remains: “Does the keto diet work for weight loss?” With its core principle of significantly restricting carbohydrate intake and encouraging a high consumption of fats, the keto diet promises a unique approach to achieving rapid weight loss and metabolic improvements. Yet, as the debate over its long-term efficacy and sustainability persists, it becomes crucial to critically examine the scientific evidence surrounding the ketogenic diet’s impact on weight management. This article delves into the intricacies of the ketogenic diet, exploring its mechanisms, potential benefits, and potential drawbacks, all with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of whether the keto diet truly lives up to its claims of facilitating weight loss. Through an analysis of recent research findings and expert insights, we seek to unravel the complexities of the keto diet’s role in sustainable weight management and provide clarity on its potential benefits and limitations.
The Ketogenic diet has been buzzing around on social media platforms like Pinterest for a while and is often touted by celebrities to be effective for weight loss. But the question people must ask is WHY?
What is Ketogenic Diet?
Normally, dieting involves eating as little as we can, but ketogenic is quite the odd ball here. This is the kind of diet that is high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates. The main goal of the diet is to bring your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
Ketosis
Ketosis is a normal process that our bodies go through. When our bodies lack sufficient carbohydrates, which is a source of burning energy, they rely on burning fat instead. During this process, the liver turns the fat into ketones, which then becomes the main source of energy for your body. There are many ways to get into ketosis but the basic way is to keep your daily carb intake to between 20-25g.
Interestingly, this diet has been used to treat epilepsy in children, but has picked up for losing weight and has been hailed as a core strengthening diet.
To show you just how and why this diet is so effective, we have listed the following scientifically-backed reasons:
It Treats Various Diseases
Aside from treating epilepsy, one study shows that a low carbohydrate intake can boost our metabolism, which prompts not just weight loss, but in some cases also eradicates several other diseases.
Research reveals that seizures improve about 50% of epilepsy patients if they follow the 4:1 ketogenic diet because it provides them with 4 times the fat as when proteins and carbs are combined.
Ketogenic diet can relive the symptoms of glycogen storage disease (GSD) patients by providing them with ketones.
Ketogenic diet aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases by reducing cholesterol in our bodies and pump up blood lipid panels.
Fights Obesity
Nobody in their right minds can tell you that being obese is perfectly normal, especially when it’s associated with several heart and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, this is a problem that affects millions around the world that not even exercise alone can bring it down.
However, a proper ketogenic diet schedule is the solution you need. A 16-week study found that 17 out of 21 people using the ketogenic diet plan were able to put down their diabetes medication dosage. Not only that, but the participants had lost an average of 19 pounds, as well as reduced waist size, blood pressure and triglycerides.
Kills off Glucose
Since ketogenic diet relies on burning fat instead of carbohydrates to fuel our minds and bodies, it will stop relying on glucose as a result. When there aren’t enough carbohydrates to burn for energy, it will look to other sources and a new form of metabolism is created to for weight loss.
It is worth noting that while those on ketogenic diet must still work out, it is proven to be a lot more beneficial than exercise alone.
Fuel for the Brain
Since ketones substitute carbohydrates as a source of energy for the body, the ketogenic diet provides one of the biggest benefits to the human brain.
By generating more and more ketones as a source of energy, our bodies will be able to pump a stronger fuel that not only boosts our mind’s energy and focus, but also prevent numerous neurological disorders.
Prevention of Cancer
There is scientific evidence that suggest that ketogenic diet can prevent some cancer types, especially when it is used with traditional treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
A number of researchers have found out that increased diabetes, blood sugar and obesity are linked to breast and other types of cancers. They add that reducing carbohydrates to lower insulin and blood sugar levels can eliminate the growth of tumor.
Some experts have claimed that ketogenic diet is good for treating brain cancers including the most aggressive one among them; glioblastoma multiforme.
High in Antioxidants
Ketogenic diet is high in antioxidants, which according to studies has shown that it prevents oxidative damage which occurs during hypoglycemia. The diet also creates newer, stronger cells in addition to protecting weaker ones to combat infection and disease.
A boost in antioxidants can help the body balance out the number of free radicals. If these radicals are out of balance, then it can lead to a reduced immune system and decreased energy.
Removing free radicals from the bloodstream not only boosts our immune system, but also strengthens our eye muscles, improves memory function and prevents mood and memory issues.
Keto Diet is the Real Deal
From losing weight, to improving memory and preventing cancers and diseases, we believe it good to question how effective a keto diet can really be for our body. If you’re looking for help look to the Vital Keto Supplement as they can really improve your level of your fitness.
It’s more than just the diet; it’s a way of life.
