Test The ketogenic diet has shown to create positive changes in the body that significantly improve wellbeing. To ensure maximum benefits, keto requires high consumption of healthy fats, moderate intake of clean-sourced proteins, and an abundance of low-carb antioxidant-rich foods. This combination urges the cells to find an alternative source of energy and the body is able to switch its metabolism from sugar burning to fat-burning mode.
What are the health benefits of the keto diet? Read along and find out for yourself now!
Reduced inflammation
As chronic inflammation is reported as the root cause of most illnesses, this keto benefit can be easily considered as the most important one.
When using ketones for energy instead of glucose, free radicals, and oxidative stress are reduced, the overall inflammation in the body is decreased and healing can take place in many different aspects.
Moreover, the ketogenic diet helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, which if left unbalanced, may enhance inflammatory activities and lead to numerous health disorders.
Improved metabolism
Another benefit of the keto diet is that the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose once it enters the metabolic state of ketosis. A high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet approach will help control your appetite, stay satiated longer, reduce cravings, and shed excess body fat.
Sharper mind
Chronic inflammation has been associated with depression, anxiety, and poor cognitive function, among other negative symptoms. The ketogenic meal plan seems to be a powerful tool to lower inflammatory processes in the body and generally improve mental health. In particular, better focus and a sharper mind are expected due to the fact that the brain is made of sixty percent fat and that’s what you will mostly enjoy on keto.
Furthermore, the ketogenic diet has been studied for its advantages on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s where it shows promising results.
Boosted energy
Energy production is yet another valuable health benefit of keto. The process becomes more efficient as the body relies on ketones as opposed to glucose as a source of fuel. The high-fat low-carb eating plan reduces the occurrence of blood sugar and insulin spikes, as well as subsequent energy crashes. Thus, your overall energetic potential is increased.
Improved skin health
Health disorders such as acne or eczema are often linked to chronic inflammation that tends to attack different structures of the skin. Acne in particular maybe stemming from hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition is also related to insulin resistance, fatigue, hair overgrowth, infertility, and so on. Research reveals that as insulin and chronic inflammation lower, the physical appearance of acne tends to decline. While the factors like chemical exposure, allergies, stress, and gut microbiome should also be addressed, following a ketogenic diet can support the process and accelerate healing.
Better heart health
One of the most acclaimed keto diet benefits is improved heart function. Consuming healthy fats seems to balance cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels in blood, both of which are considered major risk factors for stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions.
Anti-aging effects
Optimal mitochondrial function is essential for healthy aging. Mitochondria are found in each cell and they participate in many cellular functions. However, the most important one is to extract energy from food and transform it into a suitable form the body can use. Thus, mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells. They also play a fundamental role in overall inflammation and gene expression respectively.
Transitioning into ketosis and combining it with fasting may promote mitochondrial health and biogenesis by eliminating weak mitochondria and stimulating the growth of new ones.
Other benefits of the keto diet include fewer (or no) migraines, diabetes prevention, epilepsy management, reduced cravings, better mood, and overall decreased risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurodegenerative processes, and autoimmune conditions.
Final thoughts
The advantages of keto diet are scientifically proven and more are yet to be researched. The key takeaway is that decreasing inflammation and enhancing mitochondrial function seem to be foundational if you want to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and achieve overall good health. For maximum benefits, follow the high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb ketogenic lifestyle thoroughly, pay attention to food quality, exercise regularly, improve sleep, reduce stress exposure, and hydrate well. You are bound to success!