The ketogenic diet (or keto for short) is an extremely low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet. It consumes meats, dairy, eggs, fish, nuts, butters, oils, and non-starchy vegetables, similar to other grain-free and low-carb diets like paleo and Atkins.
When most of the body's carbohydrate intake is replaced with fat, the body becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy. Normally, cells generate energy from blood sugar, which is derived from carbs. However, if the blood contains more ketones (fat molecules) than blood sugar, the body will burn stored fat instead. Ketosis is the name for this metabolic condition.
This isn't a brand-new diet. It's been used for generations to treat youngsters with epilepsy who didn't react to medicines. The keto diet has been found to be helpful in decreasing seizures in studiesTrusted Source. Because of this, researchers believe it may also have positive benefits for other neurological conditions, like autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and brain tumors.
However, keto is most well-known for its weight-loss properties. The diet is frequently used to assist obese people regulate their hunger and lose weight. It may also assist patients with type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels.
Whether you want to try the keto diet for the first time or add new meals to your repertoire, these recipes will help.