You may have heard about the many benefits of keto, like supporting healthy weight loss, decreasing brain fog, etc. But how does it actually work? In this post, we’ll break down the science behind keto so that you know the “why” and “how” behind the “what.”
How keto works
To put it simply, on keto, you are helping your body shift from burning carbs for energy to burning fat instead. This happens as a result of cutting carbs, because your body only burns fat when it runs out of carbs. As your body begins to burn fat instead, you may notice better mental clarity, more energy, and other benefits.
The science behind it
The above is a bit of a simplification. Your body is actually using glucose (which it gets from carbs) or ketones (which it gets from fat) to fuel itself. When your carb intake is extremely low, glycogen stores (the storage form of glucose) become depleted.
As a result, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, and produces ketones as a byproduct of this process and you enter a state called ketosis. This is where “keto” gets its name.
What are ketones?
Ketones are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide energy to the brain, which otherwise relies on glucose for fuel.
What are the benefits of keto?
This provided energy to the brain is why keto has shown potential benefits for neurological disorders. The ketogenic diet can also lead to a reduction in insulin levels. This is because glucose levels remain low and more consistent, so not as much insulin is needed to regulate your blood sugar levels.
For many, this results in steadier energy because it eliminates the energy crashes that happen as your body attempts to stabilize rising blood sugar after a carb-heavy meal. It’s also, of course, great news for diabetics and for insulin-resistant people.
Keto may also help reduce hunger and cravings. Studies have found that people who follow a ketogenic diet tend to feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can help with weight loss. This is largely because keto emphasizes eating healthy proteins and fats, which increase satiety.
In conclusion
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become increasingly popular for weight loss and improved health. By reducing your intake of carbohydrates and increasing your intake of healthy fats, your body enters a state of ketosis, which can lead to a reduction in body fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and other health benefits.
While the science behind keto is still being studied, the evidence so far suggests that it can be an effective approach for weight loss and improved health. If you’re interested in trying keto, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.
Looking to make keto easy?
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