Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate, high-fat diet that offers many health benefits. By restricting the consumption of carbohydrates, the body is induced into a condition called ketosis. Ketosis is a state the body gets into to cope with low food or starvation. During this state, we produce ketones, which are created from the breakdown of fats by the liver to be used as energy. When this occurs, the body becomes super efficient at burning fat for fuel, which a great thing for fat loss.

Different Types of Ketogenic Diets

Variations of the ketogenic diet exist. They are:

1. Standard Ketogenic Diet or SKD
   – SKD is extremely carbohydrate restricted, has moderate-protein, but high-fat.
2. High-Protein Ketogenic Diet
   – This is akin to a Standard Ketogenic Diet or SKD, although differentiated from it by more protein intake.
3. Cyclical Ketogenic Diet or CKD
   – The CKD diet has cycles of higher-carb intake. There could be high carb intake episodes that last one to two days.
4. Targeted Ketogenic Diet or TKD
   – The TKD diet permits the addition of carbs pre or post workouts.

Ketogenic Diet Benefits

Here are some of the health benefits of the ketogenic diet. Warning: Some may pleasantly surprise you.

1. Boost Your Energy
   Boundless energy awaits the ketogenic dieter as chronic lethargy will disappear. Since the body is supplied with a better and more stable energy source (fat), one will experiences more energy throughout the day. Fats have been studied and observed to be a superior fuel source.
2. Control Hypertension
   The ketogenic diet is quite effective at lowering blood pressure. If you are on blood pressure maintenance, don’t be surprised if you find that you don’t need them anymore (or require less) once on a ketogenic diet regimen. This means spending less on medical care in the long run.
3. Manage Cholesterol
   Cholesterol is created from surplus glucose, hence as one restricts sugar consumption, less harm is inflicted on the arterial system, and inflammation is also mitigated. Cholesterol levels go down as glucose is limited. You will also experience a reduction in triglycerides. The ketogenic diet has been observed to produce notable increases in HDL, while lowering LDL particle concentrations, compared to reduced-fat eating regimens.
4. Have Better Blood Sugar Levels and Less Cravings
   Control hypoglycemia episodes, food and sugar cravings. This is because ketosis controls the appetite through the fat intake, which is very satiating. Furthermore, less sugar consumed results in reduced blood sugar spikes and insulin levels.
5. Improved Sleep
   Sleep apnea is believed by some to be linked with grain consumption. Grain in the diet is also associated with heartburn, in addition to reactive hypoglycemia. Individuals who eliminate grain from the diet and reduced carbohydrates in the long term, report a complete cessation of sleep apnea, no longer get heartburn or suffer from hypoglycemia.
6. Have Better Mental Focus
   Many individuals favor the ketogenic diet due to the improved mental acuity. This is because ketones are an excellent brain fuel. Research has established that an increased consumption of fatty acids is good for brain function. The dullness that is associated with a high carb diet vanishes.

A ketogenic diet is an ideal way for individuals to deal with certain health goals or issues. If you have blood sugar problems, struggling with your weight or looking to boost metabolic health, then this might be the diet plan for you especially since it complements a low cost health insurance plan.