A keto diet is a low-carb diet that incorporates reduction of carbohydrates while introducing some very high-fat content. When this is done, the body experiences ketosis, a state that allows your body to burn fat efficiently for energy. The diet is very similar to the Atkins diet. Eggs, cheese, leafy greens and avocados are some of the foods to eat on a keto diet. here are some benefits of the keto diet:
1. Improves acne
Research has proven that ketogenic diets are helpful to those who are prone to acne. To start, the diet simulates low insulin levels which in turn reduces the production of skin cells, androgens and sebum which would otherwise be on a roll in a high insulin environment. The production of the said elements is directly linked to acne so it ensures that this is reduced. The second factor is the reduction of inflammation which prevents acne caused by inflamed elements and lastly is through the reduction of the Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which decreases the production of sebum and the appearance of acne with it.
2. Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Keto diets have been known to restrict blood sugars, a characteristic that can help restrain the growth of some cancerous tumours. Since some tumours can be manipulated by changes in glucose levels, being on a keto diet can help manage some forms of cancer. Keto diets are also packed with energy so it helps replenish it for cancer patients who are usually drained by chemotherapy and the disease itself.
3. Improves heart health
When the body goes into ketosis and burns of fat for energy, it helps lose weight and fat, reducing cardiovascular disease triggers like obesity, LDL which is considered bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. Keeping this in check ensures that your heart keeps a healthy streak. However, keto is not a pedestal for overeating fats. You should follow a good meal plan to ensure it works.
4. Protects brain function
The brain operates on glucose that is usually generated by a certain part of the brain. When it is absent, the liver converts proteins to the glucose. However, the same part of the brain also processes ketones so a keto diet is important in maintaining healthy brain functions as it provides the energy needed. A good keto diet ensures that feeding your body the best foods rewards your brain too.
5. Reduces seizures
Keto diets have been known for helping in the reduction of seizures in epileptic patients. Doctors have been known to recommend a keto diet to children with seizures as they have since the 1920s. For seizures, a doctor ought to recommend a meal plan for the patient to follow. This includes adults with epilepsy or children with disorders like Lennox Gastaut and Rett syndrome.
6. Improves PCOS symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is a problem that many women face and with it comes infertility. Some of the conditions associated with PCOS include obesity and diabetes that keto diets can help work out. To be clear, keto does not heal PCOS, it just makes issues like diabetes and obesity more manageable, consequentially making PCOS manageable too.