Keto Diet

A Ketogenic diet, or Keto diet, is a high fat moderate protein and a very low-carb diet, also referred to as a low carb high fat (LCHF) diet. Earlier this type of diet system was used to treat epilepsy in children. 

Fuel for Body
In a normal metabolic system, the body utilizes carbohydrates, then proteins, and lastly fats, as an energy resource. As the diet is comprised of a low carbohydrate intake as well as less protein, it forces the body to burn fats instead of carbohydrates, which turns the body into a fat-burning machine. During this diet, fat are broken by liver into small fuel molecules called “ketones”. They are then used as fuel for the body, including the brain. In a Keto diet, where there is a limited supply of carbs and abundance of fat resources, the body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat.  

What is a Keto diet comprised of?
A strict Keto diet should be full of fats with less carbs. A normal Keto diet is composed of low carbohydrates (1 percent to 5 percent), moderate amount of proteins (10 percent to 20 percent) and abundance of fats (80 percent to 85 percent). Animal and dairy products are the majority key factors to achieve your goal.  Eating eggs in a Keto diet are a great low-carb option and also, dark green and leafy veggies are always the best choice. Vegetables including cauliflower, cabbage, avocado, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and kale contains much less carbs and can be included in the diet.  Other animal products such as chicken breast, beef, meat, fish, and seafood lacks the extra carbs and is enriched sources of proteins and fats.  

Benefits
Weight Loss: As the diet is based on alternative energy sources (fats), the excess stored fats will be used up in the metabolic processes and hence, results in weight loss. 

Control blood sugar: A Ketogenic diet is excellent for reversing type 2 diabetes and is one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent diabetes. 

Improved mental focus: Ketones are great fuels for brain and helps avoid swings in blood sugar, resulting in increased focus and improved concentration. 

Increased physical endurance: Fats is a rich sources of energy, which are consumed during a Keto diet and therefore, more energy will be available to the body to carry its physical processes. 

Cholesterol and blood pressure: The Keto diet has proven to be a key in improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels and therefore, helps to keep blood pressure in check. 

Acne: The Keto diet helps decrease skin inflammation, which results in younger looking skin.  

Written by: Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Molecular Biologist at Gulf Medical University Laboratory, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 

References: www.dietdoctor.com and www.ruled.me. 

DHA, MOH, MB (ASCPi)CM
Molecular Biologist |  Gulf Medical University Laboratory | (Refs: https://www.dietdoctor.com and https://www.ruled.me)