Keto as it is popularly called is coined from the word Ketosis. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process which uses stored fats for energy. This happens when the body is not having enough glucose. This results in a build-up of acids called Ketones within the body.
Recently, a diet called Ketogenic or low-carb diet is advocated as a way to stay healthy. It has also been propagated as a solution to weight loss. The aim is to try and burn unwanted fat by forcing the body to rely on fat for energy rather than carbohydrates.
The keto diet emphasizes high intake of Fats, some protein and very small amounts of carbs. There is also emphasis on healthy fats and healthy proteins. This means that unhealthy fats and proteins can cause certain health risks.
KETOGENIC DIET AND WEIGHT LOSS
The premise of the ketogenic diet for weight loss is that you deprive the body of glucose. This is mainly gotten from eating carbohydrate foods. So, the body is deprived of this glucose from carbohydrates and makes use of alternative fuels produced from fat. This is called Ketones. This is produced from stored fat. Usually this happens when there is insufficient supply of glucose to the brain. The liver begins to produce ketones from fat, which can be used in the absence of glucose.
POSSIBLE FOODS IN THE KETO DIET.
- Coconut
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Bacon fat/beef
- Seeds and Nuts
- Sardines
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Cauliflower
- Healthy Mayo.
IS KETO SAFE?
The adoption of Ketogenic Diet has its pros and cons. As an advantage it can be used as a weight loss procedure. Ketogenic diet can be used to moderate the symptoms of children with epilepsy, although experts are not quite sure why it works.
However, critics say the diet is an unhealthy way to lose weight and, in some ways, it can be downright dangerous.
The process of eliminating carbs from the diet makes the body use stored body fat instead.
This exposes the body the body to the following:
- Reduced athletic Performance
- Diarrhea
- The “Keto flue”
- Ketoacidosis
Nevertheless, these downsides can be contained if the diet is properly planned.
Generally, Ketogenic diet cannot be said to be proven but hey, it has worked for some people so…. The choice is yours.
