The idea behind the keto diet is to drastically reduce the intake of carbohydrates in the body and replace them with fats. Normally we consume lots of carbs, which are our favorite energy source. We eat a lot of fat as well. As our body’s energy requirements are met by carbohydrates, we store fat. This accumulation of fats results in weight gain and many medical complications like diabetes 2, heart-related diseases, and PCODs.
The keto diet emphasizes low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and high-fat diets, with carb intake limited to 20-50 grams per day. As a result, the body enters the stage of ketosis where fat cells are burned to release fatty acids which are the immediate source of energy.
Nowadays people are going crazy about following the keto diet. Following low carb, especially the keto diet helps millions of people to become in shape in a short period when other diets take plenty of time. However, weight loss isn’t the only parameter for which it is gaining popularity. In addition, certain medical conditions like diabetes 2, epilepsy case histories, and cardiac health issues have shown reversal symptoms.
Here’s a list of the health benefits this diet normally provides.
- Help to reduce body weight
On a keto diet, the body mainly consumes fat instead of carbs as a source of energy. Consuming foods that make us feel full and control our appetites is an obvious reason for losing weight on the keto diet.
- Controls blood sugar level
The keto diet lowers the level of insulin in the body. This is beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients as they do not have to worry about excessive blood sugar levels.
- Reduces blood pressure
Low-carb diets like the keto diet reduce blood pressure levels and dependence on blood pressure medications.
- Lowers cholesterol levels
As when on a keto diet one has to avoid foods having a high sugar content or releasing high amounts of sugar in the body. This will reduce the load on the arteries and reduce inflammation. As glucose levels drop, so does cholesterol too.
- Increase brain function
The keto diet helps to improve brain functions such as thinking, and memory retention.