You’ve been on doctors diet for quite a while now and you wanted to try a different weight loss technique which your dietician agreed to. Since you’ve been intrigued with the Keto Diet because of tons of success stories associated with this fad diet,you would rather try it out for yourself.
The Overrated Ketogenic Diet
The Keto Diet is a low-carb, adequate-protein, high-fat diet, which is also now considered as a medical diet by researchers. The goal of this diet program is to absorb more calories from fat and protein rather than from carbs. It works by diminishing the stored sugar in your body, until it breaks down protein and fat for energy which will cause the ketosis process or weight loss.
Some of the foods you can eat:
- Oils ( coconut, avocado and olive oil)
- Heavy cream
- Avocado
- Butter
- Cheese
- Cream cheese
- Nuts
- Unsweetened coconut
- Eggs
- Chicken, beef, pork, and lamb meat
- Leafy greens
- Fish (sardines and salmon)
The Benefits of the Keto Diet
- Greatly helps in weight loss.
It takes a lot of effort to turn stored fats into energy than carbs, which the keto diet speeds up to support weight loss. Since this diet focuses on protein, it won’t leave you starving or even make you crave unlike other diet programs. A lot of studies show that the ketogenic diet gives out more significant weight loss success than the regular diet and exercise.
- Reduces acne
Acne is due to a lot of contributing factors and one is due to blood sugar and diet. Consuming food that has a high percentage of refined carbohydrates and processed minerals can hinder the good bacteria and cause fluctuation in the blood sugar. Both have a major effect on skin health. This means, the decrease in carb intake can reduce the occurrence of acne, which the keto diet does.
- Can reduce the risk of cancer.
Recent studies show that the keto diet can aid the risk of certain cancers and can even treat cancer itself. There was one study that proves the keto diet can be the best alternative to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. It is because this diet can cause more oxidative stress in the cancer cells compared to normal cells.
- Improves heart health.
When you follow the keto diet in a religious and healthy manner – like replacing pork with avocado because it contains healthier fat, this diet can potentially make your heart healthy by reducing the cholesterol. In fact, the keto diet significantly increases the good cholesterol level based on one study compared to the regular weight loss diet plan.
- Protects brain functions.
Ongoing research is still needed to further prove the benefit of the keto diet for the brain. But one study suggests that a child who started the keto diet at an early age can improve its cognitive functions and alertness. While other sees the potential of this diet in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
- It helps to reduce seizures.
While ketosis helps in weight loss, it can also reduce the threat of seizures in people with epilepsy as well as with children dealing with focal seizures.
- Aids the health of women with PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a disorder which causes the enlargement of the ovaries with cysts. Incorporating the keto diet can:
- Increase weight loss
- Helps to balance the hormones
- Improves the fasting of insulin
Watch Out For Some Risks And Complications
Although the keto diet can guarantee a lot of health benefits and most especially in losing weight, you have to consider also the other health risk that this diet may cause.
- Severe weight loss or muscle degeneration
- Low blood sugar
- Sluggishness
- Kidney stone formation
- High level of acid in the blood
- Constipation
Remember that any sudden change in your diet can cause potential side effects and consequences to your health. It is still highly recommended that you consult with your doctors weight loss center or nutritionist before switching to a new diet plan.
Furthermore, if you are really interested in trying the keto diet, make sure that you are clear from any heart disease, diabetes, or hypoglycemia.
Staying too long in ketosis can cause some unhealthy effects so, again, it is wise to discuss any dietary change with your physician to be well guided on the new diet that you will be trying for an extended period.
