It
seems like everyone is jumping onto the keto diet train. With social media and
influencers boasting the benefits of the keto diet, it’s important to consider
the pros and cons before giving it a go.
The
home doctor experts at House Call
Doctor have all the information you need to know about the keto diet, to help
you decide if it is right for you.
What
is the keto diet?
The
ketogenic diet (more commonly known as the keto diet), is a low-carb, high-fat
diet that can have many health benefits. It drastically reduces your
carbohydrate intake and replaces it with fat, which puts your body into a
metabolic state called ketosis.
There
are a few different versions of the keto diet, however they all have the same
function. They limit the type of food you eat. Get ready to eat seafood,
low-carb vegetables, poultry, meat, eggs, cheese, yoghurt and of course fats. However,
say goodbye to fruits, grains, legumes and anything with added sugar.
Pros
of the keto diet
·
Weight loss is the main
positive of the keto diet. This diet helps you lose body fat more quickly than
other low-carb diets. The keto diet method of increasing foods that are high in
fat can help eliminate cravings and feelings of hunger.
·
The keto diet can also
lead to other significant health benefits. The diet can boost insulin
sensitivity and cause fat loss, which can be beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes
or prediabetes. It can also have benefits for a wide range of health conditions
such as cancer, heart disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Cons
of the keto diet
·
Less carbs for some
people (like athletes)can actually be a bad thing. It can result in less energy
and endurance.
·
The keto diet restricts
sugar, which our bodies need to function properly. The body needs sugar for
energy and to help the brain work properly.
·
As many of the foods in
the keto diet are high is saturated fats and meats, your cholesterol may
increase which often leads to a higher risk of heart disease.
The
after-hours doctor experts
recommend speaking with your regular GP before starting
any diet to ensure it is right for you.