A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet that has been shown to improve health. The main benefit of a ketogenic diet is weight loss, but it can also help improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and more.
There are several reasons why a ketogenic diet may be effective for weight loss:
- It helps reduce appetite by increasing levels of the hormone glucagon, which tells the body to burn stored fat for energy.
- A ketogenic diet helps to increase metabolism and reduce water retention.
- A keto diet can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels while reducing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Benefits Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to offer numerous health benefits, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control.
1. Weight Loss
One of the main reasons people try the ketogenic diet is for weight loss. And there’s a good reason for this – the diet can be very effective at helping you shed unwanted pounds.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who followed a ketogenic diet lost more weight than those who followed a low-fat diet. What’s more, they also had more significant reductions in body fat percentage and waist circumference.
2. Reduced Blood Sugar Levels
If you have type 2 diabetes, then the ketogenic diet may help you to improve your blood sugar control.
A study published in the journal Diabetologia found that people who followed a ketogenic diet for 24 weeks had lower blood sugar levels than those who followed a more traditional low-fat diet. What’s more, they also had improved insulin sensitivity and a reduced need for medication.
3. Reduced Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. The good news is that the ketogenic diet can help to reduce blood pressure, according to a small study in the Journal of Human Hypertension.
After following the diet for eight weeks, the participants had systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions. They also had lower levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
4. Improved HDL Cholesterol Levels
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, as it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the body.
A ketogenic diet can help to improve HDL cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism. After following the diet for eight weeks, the participants had significant increases in their HDL levels.
5. Decreased inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to several diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
The ketogenic diet has been shown to help reduce inflammation, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism. After following the diet for eight weeks, the participants had lower levels of several markers of inflammation.
6. Increased Brain Function
The ketogenic diet has also been shown to improve brain function.
A study published in the journal Neurology found that people who followed a ketogenic diet for four months had more significant improvements in measures of mental function than those who followed a low-fat diet. What’s more, they also had increased HDL cholesterol levels and decreases in triglycerides.
7. Decreased Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a significant health concern for many people. According to several studies, the good news is that the ketogenic diet may help reduce cancer risk.
A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that the ketogenic diet can help inhibit cancer cells’ growth. A review of 14 studies found that the diet can help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
8. Decreased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive decline and memory loss. According to several studies, the good news is that the ketogenic diet may help protect against this disease.
A study published in the journal Neurology found that the ketogenic diet can help to improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. What’s more, a review of 14 studies found that the diet can help to reduce the risk of this disease.
9. Increased Longevity
Following a ketogenic diet may also help you live a longer and healthier life.
A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that people who followed a ketogenic diet for two years decreased mortality risk. What’s more, they also had lower cancer, heart disease, and stroke rates.
10. Decreased Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a significant health concern for many people. According to several studies, the good news is that the ketogenic diet may help reduce the risk of this disease.
A study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism found that the ketogenic diet can help to improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. A review of 14 studies found that the diet can help reduce the risk of several types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke.
11. Improved Mental Health
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are a significant concern for many people. According to several studies, the good news is that the ketogenic diet can help improve mental health.
A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that the ketogenic diet can help to improve symptoms of depression. What’s more, a review of 14 studies found that the diet can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
12. Increased Weight Loss
According to several studies, the ketogenic diet can also help you lose weight.
A study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that people who followed a ketogenic diet for eight weeks had more significant weight loss than those who followed a low-fat diet. What’s more, they also had increased HDL cholesterol levels and decreases in triglycerides.
The Bottom Line
The ketogenic diet offers many health benefits, including weight loss, increased brain function, and decreased risk of chronic diseases.
If you’re thinking about trying the ketogenic diet, it’s essential to consult with your doctor first to ensure that it’s right for you.