A Ketogenic, or “Keto”, Diet is essentially a high-fat low-carb diet. People who follow this diet eat mostly fat (aiming for 70%), a moderate amount of protein (20%), and few carbs (about 5%) a day in order to adapt their bodies to burn fat as a fuel instead of carbs. Ketones are produced when the liver breaks down fats. The “goal” of the Keto Diet is to put the body into a metabolic state of Ketosis in which ketones are used a fuel by the brain and body. Ketones are a cleaner fuel for the body then carbs are.
Pros:
Due to the lack of carbs consumed on the Keto Diet, it has been shown to lower blood sugar and help reverse insulin resistance. Because of this, the Keto diet has been credited to the reversal of metabolic diseases such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. The Keto diet has also been shown to help in weight loss, to improve energy levels and mental alertness.
Cons:
The diet focuses on the macros (number of grams of carbs/proteins/fats) you eat in a day, but not the quality of the foods you are eating. Because of this, many people who follow the diet, tend to eat a lot of processed foods, especially processed meats and cheeses. Overall the Keto Diet is healthier than the standard American diet, but this is an item of concern.
You have to be very strict on the ketogenic diet, which is hard for some people to maintain. Eating more carbs then you are allotted in a day, will result in you getting out of ketosis. Depending on your activity level, it would take you days to get back into it again.
