To say that the ketogenic diet has emerged as one of the most faddish diets of recent years would be a complete understatement.
With more than a million Google searches every month, this popular diet has bagged the people’s interest for an assortment of good reasons—from its obvious benefit of losing weight to enhancing mental performance to disease prevention.
So, here are 7 scientifically proven health benefits of the ketogenic diet:
1. Ketogenic Diet Uses High-Fat to Help You Lose Fat!
While cutting down carbs is one of the simplest and the most effective ways to lose weight, keto diet functions by sending the body into a metabolic state called ketosis that utilizes fat for energy generation instead of carbs.
As a result, there is a hike in the loss of excess water weight which contributes to weight loss.
According to a study that monitored the effects of a ketogenic diet on 83 obese patients for 24-weeks, there was a significant reduction in the patients’ weight and body mass index (BMI).
2. Miracle for Patients With Type-2 Diabetes
According to WHO, every second person you meet is probably battling with diabetes.
You know why?
Because of high blood sugar and the uncontrollable spread of insulin!
Low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets can be particularly helpful for diabetic people as studies prove that cutting carbs lowers both blood sugar and insulin levels drastically.
As a matter of fact, diabetic people who get started with a low-carb diet can easily decrease their insulin dosage by 50% almost immediately.
Another study conducted on people with type 2 diabetes, found out that 95% of them had almost eliminated their glucose-lowering medication just within six months.
3. Ceaseless Supply of Energy
Do you follow the age-old advice of having five-six meals every day and yet feel lethargic?
This is because most of your daily meals are rich in carbs that not only escalate your insulin but also lead to fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
A ketogenic diet, on the contrary, limits the carb intake in order to keep your insulin and blood sugar levels regulated.
Moreover, during ketosis, your body produces a higher number of mitochondria, which is basically a powerhouse in the cells.
Pair it together with a stabilized sugar level, and your body is bound to have a continuous supply of energy to keep you supercharged and have increased physical endurance.
4. Reduced Hunger Pangs
While the metabolic and hormonal benefits of eating a low-carb diet are great, one cannot undermine its amazing satiating effects.
They are not only more filling but also allow you to avoid snacking before your next meal or heap up a second helping!
When the fat you consume reaches your small intestine, it sets off the release of the hormones such as CCK and PYY that play a major role in satiety and appetite regulation; leaving you feeling full and satisfied.
5. Reduced Blood Pressure
It’s no secret that high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart diseases and kidney failure.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) holds it responsible for for12% of the total deaths and disabilities in the world.
That’s where Keto-diet comes to your rescue!
Cutting carbs leads to a significant decrease in insulin resistance that lowers blood pressure, eventually reducing your risk of many common diseases.
6. Improved Bad Ldl Cholesterol Levels
Did you know that people with high “bad” LDL are much more likely to suffer from heart attacks?
In fact, the risk factor depends vastly on the size of the LDL particles.
While smaller particles are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, larger LDL particles are linked to lower risk.
Studies confirm that low-carb diets increase the size of “bad” LDL particles and reduce the number of total LDL particles in your bloodstream.
As a result, cutting carbs can reduce the harmful effects of LDL particles and improve your heart health altogether.
7. Improved Brain Functioning
Did you know that your brain comprises 60 percent of fat?
Of that percentage, the biggest share comes through the omega-3 fat called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Your brain needs DHA to ensure smooth communication in-between the cells.
Therefore, the Keto diet improves memory, learning, cognition, and happiness.
On the contrary, numerous studies prove that a deficit of omega-3 fatty acids leads to anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and even bipolar disorder.