A blue sky with sunlight streaming through

The Wonders of Ketogenic Diet

  • 5 min read

 

You might have tried a lot of ways to lose weight. Believe me, you are not alone. But this new scientific diet paves the way to an easier process of doing so. The big question is...

 

Why you should give the “KETOGENIC DIET” a try?

 

What Is “KETO”?

Keto is an alternative fuel for the body especially used when an individual's blood sugar (commonly known as glucose) is in short supply. Keto, in a ketogenic diet, comes from the  fact that your body produces small fuel molecules called "ketones".

As far as how ketones are produced, they are generated when you eat very few carbs (which normally are broken down into sugar) and in addition to that, you should also reduce your intake of proteins as excessive proteins are also converted to sugar.

Moreover, ketones are specifically produced by the liver coming from fat. Once they are produced, ketones are used to fuel the body as well as our brain. Since the brain is one of the organs that requires a lot of energy on  a daily basis, it cannot function on fat directly. Hence, ketones, or glucose per se, plays a vital role.

With  this kind of diet, your body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Since insulin levels becomes low, fat burning increases dramatically which allows the body to burn fat easier.

If your goal is to lose weight, this is a great way of doing it. There are also other benefits such as less hunger cravings and producing a stable supply of energy to the body which can make you alert and more focused.

Ketosis, connected to ketogenic diet, is the process in which the body produces "ketones". Intermittent fasting or “not eating anything” is said to be one of the best ways to reach this goal but in reality, nobody can fast forever.

A keto diet, on the other hand, can also result in ketosis. It has huge benefits similar to fasting that include weight loss, without really having to fast.

 

How Does Ketogenic Diet Works?

Ketogenic diet experts say that to better get the desired results, you should eat less than 50 grams of carbs a day. It may be difficult to start with but your body will be able to catch up since alternative foods can be a another great option.

As mentioned above, when the body runs out of fuel it can use, you'll start to break down protein and fat which may primarily lead to weight loss.

 

Who Uses Ketogenic Diet?

People who are trying to lose weight mainly use this type of diet. However, it can also be advantageous to patients with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, brain and heart diseases and acne. Research is currently continuing to find out further health benefits.

While the ketogenic diet is successful for many people, it is still recommended to talk to your doctor to see if it's safe for you to try, especially if you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

 

What Are The Different Types of Ketogenic Diets?

Guess what? You can’t just hop onto this kind of diet without being fully aware of the different kinds. This is the reason why advice from a doctor is needed. Below are the types of ketogenic diet.

  • Standard - Very low-carb (75%), moderate protein (20%) and high-fat (5%)
  • Cyclical - Higher-carb refeeds  e.g. 5 ketogenic days followed by 2 high-carb days
  • Targeted - Adding carbs around workouts
  • High-protein - This is pretty similar to Standard but it has more protein intakes. The ratio will now be 60%, 35% and 5%, respectively

If you are a bodybuilder or an athlete, the cyclical and targeted diets are recommended since these are more advanced.

 

Is Ketogenic Diet Recommended For Diabetes Patients?

Since ketosis increase the glucose coming from fats, is this type of diet recommended for diabetes patients? Studies show that it is possible.

By definition, "Diabetes" is characterized by changes in metabolism, high blood sugar and impaired insulin function. Ketogenic diet helps an individual to lose fat which is closely linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. Studies have also found that with this diet, a 75% improvement has been seen on insulin sensitivity for diabetic patients.

In short, the ketogenic diet can boost insulin sensitivity and cause fat loss even for some diabetic patients.

 

What Are Other Health Benefits of Ketogenic Diet?

Weight loss is just one of the wonders of Ketogenic diet. Surprisingly, it also has also been linked to other benefits specific to certain illnesses.

  • Neurological diseases such as epilepsy
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
  • Brain injuries
  • Acne

It is essential to note that research and studies into many of these areas is undergoing further validation.

 

What Are Foods To Avoid?

When undergoing the ketogenic diet, below is a list of foods that you need to reduce, or better avoid:

  • Sugary foods
  • Grains or starches
  • Fruits, except small portions of berries like strawberries
  • Beans or legumes
  • Root vegetables and tubers
  • Low-fat or diet products
  • Some condiments or sauces, those that contain sugar and unhealthy fat
  • Unhealthy fat such as vegetable oil and mayonnaise
  • Alcohol
  • Sugar-free diet foods which are high in sugar alcohol

 

What Are Foods To Eat?

Now for the interesting stuff-- these are the foods recommended for you to eat when undergoing ketogenic diet.

  • Red meat, steak, ham, sausages, bacon, chicken and turkey
  • Salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel
  • Eggs or Omega-3 whole eggs
  • Butter and cream
  • Unprocessed cheese such as cheddar, goat, cream, blue or even mozzarella
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Healthy oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil
  • Green veggies, tomatoes, onions, peppers etc.
  • For condiments, use salt, pepper and healthy herbs and spices

While the ketogenic diet has seen success for many individuals, it is still best to consult a health specialist to make sure that it is the right diet for you.

 

Have You Tried Nature’s Branch Ultra Pure Forskolin For Weight Loss?

As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks - certain diet methods may not work for everyone. Supplements, if advised by your doctor, can also be a great way to help boost your desired results.

Nature’s Branch Ultra Pure Forskolin comes with 40% standardized powder blend designed to support weight management, reduce hunger cravings and curb your appetite. We use a premium, non GMO formula for men and women which, when coupled with a healthy diet, can help you achieve your goals and support you through your weight loss journey.

 

 

Nature's Branch Forskolin Supplement placed on a wooden table top with a blurry nature background

 

Leave a comment (all fields required)

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Search