When you look at the most popular diets that have even been endorsed by many celebrities, you will find everything from the carnivore diet to the keto diet which is by far one of the most popular ones out there.
What is not commonly known however is that this was not first as a weight loss plan. Its main purpose was for treatment of epileptic symptoms but nowadays, it is mostly used as one of the most effective dieting hacks.
This diet balances high fat and protein while limiting carbs as a way of helping the body naturally find an alternative source of energy by burning fat.
It can be a bit hard to grasp everything if you are new to the world of dieting but here is a short breakdown to help you wrap your head around this super diet:
Does it work for weight loss?One of the commonly asked questions about any diet is, ‘does it even work?’ There are many fake diets promoted out there that never deliver what they are promising and the last thing you would want if your goal is weight loss, is to waste time doing something that doesn’t have any real results.
With keto, many people have gotten positive results since they started.
There are different types of keto diets including the standard keto diet, high protein and targeted diet which have different requirements and restrictions.
If done the right way, you could drop several kilos if that is your goal.
Aside from weight loss, you might be curious if there are any other scientifically proven advantages of trying it out..3
And the short answer is a resounding yes!
It has been an effective diet in people with type 2 diabetes, it can help reduce the occurrences of seizures in epileptic patients and it has actually assisted in slowing down the rate of tumor growth when it comes to some types of cancer, among many other benefits.
What are the risks?Although the keto diet has received many praises, there are still some major concerns just like with every other diet plan out there.
It has been linked as the cause of problems like kidney stones, liver disease, digestive problems, mood swings and nutrient deficiencies since it also leaves out important fruits and vegetables.
Also, the fact that many people don’t know how to do it the right way is a big risk health wise.
There are many long-term health problems associated with the keto diet and there are divided views on whether it is worth it or not.
If you have any underlying medical conditions like heart problems, liver conditions or any other medical condition that could be risky, you should avoid it or consult with your doctor first.
It is also not advisable to try it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In conclusion
Although there are many benefits that come with keto dieting, we can’t ignore the potential risks involved. And if it is something you are just trying out at home, you have to do a lot of research to ensure you are doing it the right way.
Still, there are many dietitians who wouldn’t recommend this to their patients which shows that the risks outweigh the advantages.
To be on the safe side, consult your doctor, dietician or a nutritionist to help you come up with the right diet plan tailored for your needs.