“Keto” is a very loved term in the fitness industry for its long list of benefits. Despite the growing popularity, some people are still not aware of the term properly. Some people are still confused about what it exactly means. The major which makes it different from other forms of diet is that in this the consumption of carbohydrates is very less and the intake of healthy fat is allowed. During this process, our body is forced to rely on the ketones present in the liver for energy production for the brain instead of using carbohydrates to carry out any metabolic activity in the body. This cycle also limits glucose production in the body. This diet has helped many individuals to shed a good amount of fats and also cure several diseases like diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. So, if you are planning to try out a ketogenic lifestyle but don’t have a clear idea about it, you can go through the following information given below to have a basic idea about it.
What type of food is consumed during a Ketogenic Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a combination of a low-carb and high-fat diet. This combination is then mixed along with high protein intake. Do not forget to keep a check on the type of fat being consumed, since consumption of only good fats is acceptable. Sadly, munching on your favorite fried chicken as a source of fat in the diet is a big no!
What effect does a ketogenic diet have on our bodies?
The ketogenic diet creates a shortage of carbohydrates in the body which is a prime source of energy for the body. This process will create a deficiency that compels the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates for energy. When we use fat to produce energy instead of carbs is known as ketosis. In this case, the product units of energy produced are called ketones which will now be used as the fuel source for energy production.
Can anybody follow the ketogenic diet?
Following a ketogenic diet blindly is not a joke as it is not meant for everyone. Until and unless you have some major issues, it is better to avoid such an eating pattern. It’s a great option for people suffering from weight loss issues since it is proven to show faster and better results compared to a low-fat diet. People suffering from health issues like diabetes or epilepsy are also advised to follow this diet.
What are some commonly consumed food items in a ketogenic diet?
It’s not a hard and fast rule that every diet has to be boring, right? You can definitely add a variety of healthy and tasty recipes made with veggies, meat, and other items. Some pretty common food items consumed in a ketogenic diet are fatty meat, nuts, raw veggies, cheese, dairy items, seeds, dark chocolate, etc.
Pros of following a ketogenic diet?
You have no idea about the number of changes the ketogenic diet can bring to your body. It has the potential of saving you from the grasp of several deadly diseases. Some common benefits are given below:
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Lowers insulin levels in the body.
- Saves us from several neurological disorders.
- Lesser deposition of bad-type cholesterol in the body.
Cons of following the ketogenic diet:
The ketogenic diet doesn’t really have such extreme side effects when followed moderately. Some mild symptoms like lack of energy, constipation, flu, headaches, etc. These symptoms are usually experienced in the starting days as our body tries to adapt itself to the new diet pattern. One important thing to keep in mind is that it can cause great havoc with long-term effects when followed in the extremity. Some major side effects of following a ketogenic diet are:
- May develop kidney stones.
- Lead to acidosis.
- Causes hypoglycemia.
- Heart issues.