More and more research points out that nutritional ketosis may be the answer to a variety of health issues, including obesity. The ketogenic diet is a diet which changes the body’s metabolism from burning carbs for energy to burning fats for energy.
During this diet, 70 percent of your food consumption needs to be of good fats like that from coconut oil, organic eggs, avocados, and raw nuts. When the body enters the so-called state of ketosis, it begins to produce ketones which are created from fats processed in the liver. And, when the body is abundant in fats and low on carbs, it will start burning ketones as the primary source of energy.
The Health Advantages of the Ketogenic Diet
- Fights off cancer
Cancer cells are known to thrive on sugar and this is why a diet that lowers the consumption of sugar and carbs can lower one’s risk of cancer. Did you know that our regular body cells can use fat for energy whereas the cancerous ones cannot? According to medical hypothesis, ketone bodies stop cancers by changing the availability of energy processes in cancerous cells. What’s more, preliminary data has shown that a diet that inhibits insulin is safe in patients with advanced cancer.
- Keeps the brain healthy
This low-carb, high-fat nutrition was found helpful against neurological disorders. Research indicates that ketogenic diets may be effective in reducing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Also, it can be beneficial for autistic individuals; research points out that a lot of children diagnosed with autism experienced improvement after following a ketogenic diet for a period of half a year.
- Encourages loss of weight
Minimizing the consumption of carbohydrates is one of the most powerful methods to shed surplus pounds. The carbs are kept low whereas the intake of fat is reduced and that of protein is kept moderate. This reminds the body and gives it the opportunity to rely on fat as a basic fuel and to create ketones from storages of body fat.
What to Eat & What not to Eat during a Keto Diet?
Elevate the intake of:
- Seafood like mussels, clams, and squid
- Low-carb veggies
- Cheese
- Avocados
- Meat
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Coconut oil
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Berries
- Butter and cream
- Olives
- Sugarless tea and coffee
- Dark chocolate
Avoid the following foods:
- Sugary foods like soda drinks, sport drinks, condiments, packaged goods, agave, maple syrup
- Starchy foods like rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, muesli, porridge
- Legumes like lentils and beans
- Beer
- Fruits
- Margarine
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