This is a type of eating plan that emphasizes the consumption of foods high in protein and includes an acceptable quantity of fat but relatively few carbohydrates. The objective here is to obtain a greater number of calories from fat than from carbohydrates.
The diet is effective because it causes the body to use its stored sugar supply. As a consequence of this, it will start to metabolize fat in order to obtain energy. As a consequence of this, the body produces molecules known as ketones, which it then employs as a source of fuel. When the body burns fat, this can sometimes result in a loss of weight.
There are numerous variations of this, the most common of which are the Cyclical Ketogenic Diet and the Standard Ketogenic Diet.
Supports weight loss
A person's weight loss efforts could benefit from following the keto diet.
The ketogenic diet is thought to be beneficial for weight loss in a number of different ways, including speeding up metabolism and suppressing appetite.
Diets based on the ketogenic model involve eating foods that are satiating and, as a result, may lower levels of hormones that stimulate appetite. Due to these factors, adhering to a ketogenic diet may lessen feelings of hunger and facilitate weight loss.
Researchers found that participants who followed ketogenic diets lost 2 pounds (lbs) more over the course of one year compared to those who followed low-fat diets in a meta-analysis that included 13 separate randomized controlled trials that were published in 2013.
Further analysis of 11 trials found that participants who followed a ketogenic diet lost an additional 5 pounds after six months compared to those who followed a low-fat diet.
Improves acne
Consuming different foods that are high in processed and refined carbs may disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria and create substantial fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Both of these factors can have a negative impact on the health of the skin.
A study that was conducted in 2012 found that a ketogenic diet helped lessen acne problems in certain patients by lowering their carbohydrate intake.
Reduce the risk of certain cancers
The ketogenic diet has been investigated by scientists for its potential to treat or perhaps stave against some malignancies.
According to the findings of one study, the ketogenic diet might be a useful, risk-free, and appropriate additional treatment option for persons with certain tumors who are also undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is because it would produce significantly more oxidative stress in cancer cells than in normal cells, ultimately leading to the death of the cancer cells.
A more recent study conducted in 2018 reveals that the ketogenic diet may also minimize the risk of insulin-related problems due to the fact that the ketogenic diet lowers blood sugar. Insulin regulates blood sugar and may be connected to some tumors' development.
Although some evidence suggests that following a ketogenic diet may be of some value in the treatment of cancer, there has been very little research conducted in this area.