Our modern lifestyle often has us looking for ways to improve our diet and boost our overall health and wellness. Due to lack of time and hectic schedules, it’s often the quick and easy-to-follow diets that appear more attractive. This is why it’s no surprise that the ketogenic or keto diet has been gaining so much popularity recently. A diet that focuses on obtaining more calories from fat than from carbohydrates, keto offers a plethora of health benefits. In this article, we’ll be looking at six health benefits you can expect when following a keto diet.
Reduced appetite
Unlike diets rich in carbs and sugars, the keto diet does not involve highs and lows. The keto diet eliminates carb cravings as well as sugar peaks and crashes, and you feel satisfied for longer. This is because, after switching to keto, your body relies on burning fat instead of glucose to get energy. This is known as ketosis, and this process can help you feel less hungry. It also helps that fats are more satiating compared to protein and carbohydrates, so you feel fuller for much longer. Plus, you can expect your energy levels and endurance to increase on keto.
Reduced inflammation
This comes as no surprise since the keto diet focuses on the consumption of foods known for their anti-inflammatory properties. From olive oil and fatty fish to eggs and nuts, keto-friendly foods aid in regulating inflammation – the body’s natural protection against outside invaders such as viruses and bacteria. The Keto diet also restricts the consumption of inflammation-causing foods such as processed foods, starchy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Because of that, proper supplementation is essential for those considering a ketogenic diet. By incorporating anti-inflammatory add-ons such as AMP supplement as well as probiotics and lipase-based digestive enzymes, you’re able to compensate for missing out on fiber and certain nutrients due to dietary restrictions. In doing so, you will manage to keep your body in balance while also improving your overall diet.
Weight loss
Switching from a diet that’s carb-heavy to a diet that’s fat-heavy also leads to weight loss. This is the most popular health benefit of the keto diet. By making a switch to keto, you eliminate the effects of a carb-heavy diet like poor health, weight gain, and bloating. The best part? Following a keto diet does not mean depriving yourself of food. You still get to eat plenty of foods abundant in good fats and lose/maintain your weight regardless of whether you’re obese, overweight, or fit.
Better heart health
You may be wondering how a high-fat diet can actually aid in protecting your heart health. The answer lies in the ability of the keto diet to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Studies have shown that individuals who have followed a keto diet have seen a significant increase in HDL cholesterol. Other than boosting their “good” cholesterol, the keto diet was also responsible for reduced blood pressure (both diastolic and systolic). That said, it’s important that individuals following the keto diet stick with healthful fats such as the ones found in avocados, nuts, and fish instead of less healthful fats found in, for example, pork rinds.
Better brain function
Other than supporting heart health, the ketogenic diet also has a positive effect on brain health. When the body is in ketosis, this means that the blood contains a higher concentration of ketones. The ketones that are generated are said to increase the strength and protection of the brain and nerve cells. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.) and strokes. Other than reaping these neuroprotective benefits, individuals following a keto diet may also experience altered brain function. This is due to ketones fueling the brain instead of glucose, which may be why your brain seems sharper.
Improved acne
Another great health benefit offered by the keto diet is skin clarity. This is great news for someone looking to improve acne through diet. Diet and blood sugar may be linked to acne, and insulin resistance and inflammation are often responsible for this skin issue. Eating a diet that’s high in carbs alters gut bacteria balance and leads to high and low blood sugar levels. On the other hand, switching to a diet that regulates insulin and blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation may be beneficial for individuals suffering from acne as it can boost their skin health, reduce the physical appearance of acne, and improve skin clarity.
Wrapping up
Following the keto diet can be a great way to shed a couple of extra pounds and get in shape quickly and easily, but it’s so much more than a lose-weight-quick eating plan. There are plenty of non-weight health benefits offered by the keto diet, so there’s more than enough reason to try it.
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