As someone who is always looking for new and effective ways to take control of both my health and happiness, I decided to try out the ketogenic diet a little while ago. Over the four months I have been on kept, I have lost over 30lbs and I have not been as healthy or lean since my late teens!
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low carbohydrate nutritional plan that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It forces the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis, where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. While there are many different interpretations of the diet, most involve cutting back on carbohydrates and replacing them with healthy sources of fat like nuts, avocado, fatty fish, olive oil and coconut oil. I also decided to stop buying pre-packaged food.
So why might this particular diet be good for your health? Here are just some of the potential benefits:
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that following a ketogenic diet can help individuals lose weight quickly and effectively. This type of diet has also been linked to improved levels of insulin sensitivity which can lead to lower blood sugar levels and improved cardiovascular health. Furthermore, because it reduces appetite-stimulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, it can help you feel full longer – making sticking to the plan easier.
Improved Brain Function
Research suggests that following a ketogenic diet may improve cognitive performance by increasing brain energy metabolism, improving neuronal plasticity (the ability for neurons to change over time) as well as reducing oxidative stress on cells – all important factors for maintaining mental sharpness as we age. In addition to this, studies have also linked low carb diets with reduced inflammation in the brain – something which is thought to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease
A number of studies have shown that following a ketogenic diet can reduce cholesterol levels – one risk factor associated with heart disease. It can also reduce triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood), while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels – all positive changes when it comes to protecting your heart health.
Improved Athletic Performance
Low carb diets such as this one can provide athletes with increased endurance due to increased fat burning capabilities allowing them to go further or faster during exercise or competition without feeling fatigued prematurely. Additionally, because they are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels they allow athletes more consistent energy delivery throughout their workout/competition meaning better performance overall.
Reduced Epileptic Seizures
The use of a ketogenic diet has been studied extensively for its ability to reduce seizures in individuals suffering from epilepsy – particularly those who do not respond well enough standard anti-epileptic medications . Research suggests that by starving the brain off glucose (which is usually sourced from carbs), it causes an increase in ketones which helps protect against overstimulation within the neural networks responsible for causing seizures.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Several studies suggest that consuming more healthy fats such as those found in avocados and fish oil may help reduce cancer risk by helping protect against DNA damage caused by free radicals, while also inhibiting tumour growth directly . Furthermore , restricting carbs has been linked with reduced inflammation throughout the body – something crucial when considering how damaging chronic inflammation can be when it comes cancer development.
Overall I think there’s no question that following a ketogenic diet could offer many potential benefits when it comes taking control of your health and wellbeing – but please remember that everyone’s dietary needs are different so be sure speak with your doctor before making any drastic changes!
