Nine Science-Backed Benefits of Using a Keto Diet

The ketogenic, or keto, diet has surged in popularity as a powerful approach to overall health enhancement. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen prompts the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis, where fat is burned for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Beyond its primary aim of weight reduction, the keto diet offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve physical well-being and cognitive function. From boosting energy levels and enhancing mental clarity to stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation, the keto diet presents a compelling case for those looking to make a transformative change in their lifestyle.

Benefit #1: the keto diet can help you obtain (and maintain!) a healthy weight

The keto diet is excellent for losing fat and keeping it off. For example, a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials concluded that:

“Individuals assigned to a VLCKD [very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet] achieve a greater weight loss than those assigned to an LFD [low-fat diet] in the long term; hence, a VLCKD may be an alternative tool against obesity.” [1]

What’s more, randomized controlled trials found that the keto diet produces up to three times as much weight loss as a high-carb, low-fat diet. [2–3]

In other words, if you want to lean down but are sick and tired of failing your weight loss attempts, the keto diet may be the key to a slim figure.

Benefit #2: the keto diet boosts brain function

When going keto, most people experience an improvement in their brain function and mental clarity. [4–5]

The keto diet supports your brain in various ways and for various reasons. A major reason is that ketosis enhances mitochondrial functioning. [6]

Researchers believe ketosis stimulates the formation of new mitochondria in your brain, especially in your hippocampus. [7] This aids your mental clarity, memory, and energy levels.

Benefit #3: the keto diet can help manage or even reverse diabetes

Many studies show minimizing carb intake benefits people with diabetes. In fact, the keto diet was the standard diabetes treatment before the discovery of injectable insulin. [8–9]

Consider the following:

Research published in “Annals of Internal Medicine” found that when type 2 diabetics went low-carb for two weeks, they improved insulin sensitivity by up to 75%. [10]

And another study involving 21 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that seven of them could stop their diabetes medication within 16 weeks of going keto. [11]

Benefit #4: the keto diet reduces heart disease risk

While saturated fat and cholesterol are often alleged to clog arteries, these compounds do not cause heart disease. [12–14]

That’s good news for keto dieters because this eating style loads up on high-fat foods such as eggs, nuts, and bacon.

In fact, the keto diet reduces heart disease risk for four main reasons. The keto diet: [15–18]

• Stimulates weight loss

• Elevates levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol

• Decreases blood triglycerides levels

• Reduces blood pressure

Benefit #5: the keto diet boosts mental well-being

The keto diet benefits various mental disorders and conditions. For example, research shows the keto diet: [19–22]

• Has an antidepressant effect

• Improves the behavior of children with autism

• May stabilize mood in bipolar disorder patients

• Has cured one case of schizophrenia

Benefit #6: the keto diet can be therapeutic for various neurological diseases

These include Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, infantile spasms (West syndrome), and epilepsy. [23–26]

Benefit #7: the keto diet may prevent and fight some types of cancer

Most cancer cells rely on glucose as fuel, which is why keto diets may help prevent and fight the disease.

For instance, when in-vitro cancer cells only receive ketones and fat for energy, they often die. [27] Plus, various studies show the keto diet helps fight brain cancer. [28–29]

Benefit #8: the keto diet can improve gut health and bowel disorders

Many bowel diseases are the result of gut pathogens and infections, both of which rely on glucose for energy.

By minimizing your carb intake, you stave off these infections and pathogens. That’s how going keto diet can improve gut health and treat bowel disease.

In addition to all these benefits, it should be added that food prepared according to keto recipes is very tasty and does not involve starvation.

Benefit #9: the keto meals are tasty and do not involve starvation 😋

This last benefit is based more on people’s experience than on scientific research.

In contrast to other diet plans, food prepared according to keto principles is incredibly tasty, offering a delightful culinary experience. With keto recipes, there’s no need to worry about feeling deprived or experiencing starvation. Instead, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to this article, you can download “Deliciously Easy Keto Recipes” PDF. It’s not just a cookbook, but also an excellent handbook on the ketogenic diets with in-depth explanations.

Download “Deliciously Easy Keto Recipes” now!

Explore some of the most delicious low-carb breakfast ideas.

Learn how to control your blood sugar naturally.

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