There are more than one million searches on Google every month regarding the keto diet and its benefits. Diets can become a fad, but it appears that the keto diet is most definitely here to stay for the long-term. This has largely coincided with people becoming more health-conscious and reading up on more health-related news. As such, diets like the ketogenic one are growing in popularity.
It’s worth noting that the keto diet isn’t necessarily suited to everyone, and you should most definitely give it serious consideration before starting it, but it is a diet that has resulted in numerous success stories. The high-fat, low-carb philosophy has gripped the world. As a result, more and more people are giving it a go and discovering its various benefits. One search on Instagram demonstrates just how popular it is, for example.
Big brands are now even selling keto-friendly products, and keto recipes have become a popular search option online. The keto diet certainly has its sceptics, too, though, which is why seeking professional advice before considering taking on a keto diet is worthwhile. In the meantime, let’s assess some of the basic benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic diet.
A low-carb diet reduces your appetite
Most diets lead to extreme hunger, which is why people lose motivation on occasions and ultimately give up. A low-carb diet, though, is proven to reduce a person’s appetite and therefore lead to fewer calories being consumed. Eating more protein and fat is filling and will keep you feeling full for longer.
It can lead to instant weight loss
Cutting out carbohydrates is one of the fastest ways to lose weight. Studies show that people who consume a low-carb diet tend to lose weight faster than those who are on low-fat diets. The reason being that low-carb diets get rid of excess water in your body, therefore lowering insulin levels as a result and aiding weight loss.
We are constantly told that diet must be mixed with exercise for sustainable weight loss, and there is some truth in that. As such, it means you need to eventually get off the sofa and switch off Netflix, or shut down the game of 9 Masks of Fire slot, and get active. Those weight loss gains might only be temporary, otherwise.
For example, studies have shown that a low-carb diet is particularly effective for up to six months, but after that, additional lifestyle changes might be needed to take the weight loss up a level, such as increasing exercise.
Reduces the presence of triglycerides
They aren’t commonly known, but triglycerides are fat molecules that circulate in your bloodstream and are a known cause of heart disease. Carb consumption among sedentary people can increase the presence of triglycerides, with the simple sugar fructose being a particular concern. A low-carb, keto diet lessens the risk of too many triglycerides.
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It helps produce more ‘good’ HDL cholesterol
There is good and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which contributes towards good heart health and a smaller risk of developing heart disease. Eating fat increases “good” HDL levels and can therefore aid heart health. A low-fat diet, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect.
Reduces both blood sugar and insulin levels
Ketogenic diets are also helpful for people with diabetes and insulin resistance as it lowers blood sugar and insulin levels drastically. Of course, if you’re diabetic, you should speak to a professional before taking on a keto diet, but some studies have shown that 95% of people with type 2 diabetes had significantly reduced or halted their glucose-lowering medication within six months.
Some of the foods you can eat on a keto diet include avocado, butter, cream cheese, coconut, leafy greens, nuts, meats, eggs, and fish.
