Have you heard of the ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet?
Now, what is this diet about? What are its pros and cons? Get to know it and find out if it is what you are looking for!
Keto diet: pros and cons of the healthy diet followed by Kim Kardashian, Halle Berry and other celebrities
What is keto diet about?
The ketogenic or keto diet seeks to leave out carbohydrates and consume more foods with fat in order to lose weight.
Why is it called that? By the process of ketogenesis: the body basically feeds on glucose, which we generally get from carbohydrates. When you stop consuming them, the body looks for other ways to obtain energy, and that process is called ketogenesis (hence the name of the diet). In this process, according to Vox, the liver breaks down fat and converts it into energy. Not only does it satisfy your appetite, but by converting fat into energy it can help you lose weight.
It is a strict diet that requires that you consume between 25 and 35 grams of carbohydrates per day (approximately one apple); 5% protein and between 70% and 80% fat.
This diet became, according to Vox, the “Silicon Valley obsession” and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry follow it.
Benefits
Medicine has found it to be positive for treating epilepsy. And also that it can be beneficial for people who have type 2 diabetes. This is because it reduces the level of insulin (which also triggers the reduction of inflammation in certain areas). It causes a rapid loss of water in the body, therefore allowing you to deflate and lose a few extra pounds. Its followers claim that you can lose up to 600 calories more than with other diets. Foods high in fat often control appetite, even more than carbohydrates.
Cons
It is not 100% proven to help you lose weight. Diets that exclude foods are never completely beneficial. The body must receive a balance of food (carbohydrates, proteins, fats and more. All in just the right amount). Long-term weight loss is not significant, so experts consider that exertion and nutritional imbalance are not advisable. It is difficult to follow: the amounts must be respected in order for it to really be “successful”, but it can be complex to carry and calculate. There are very healthy fats, but you have to be creative. This diet often leads to unhealthy fats that can affect your health.