But what led to the creation of the Keto Diet? Back in 1924, a Mayo Clinic doctor by the name of Russell Wilder developed the Ketogenic Diet in hopes of finding a treatment for epilepsy. Many people who suffer from epilepsy and other illnesses have reported a noticeable decrease in their symptoms after going on this diet. This practice dates back to Ancient Greece when doctors would change their patients' diets and even have them fast to force their body into starvation mode. The Ketogenic Diet is a much easier means of getting the body to go into the fasting mode without actually depriving the body of food. To this day, however, no one knows exactly why the Ketogenic Diet is so effective in helping those that suffer from epilepsy, autism, and other known illnesses.
A typical meal for someone on the Ketogenic Diet would feature the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ratio, and might include a healthy serving of a protein such as chicken, some fruit or a protein-rich vegetable, and a high-fat component, which might be butter. The high-fat component on this diet usually comes from the ingredients which go into making the food; this could include heavy cream, butter, or buttermilk, and also might feature creamy dressings such as Ranch
Over the years, researchers have found that there are many benefits to choosing the Ketogenic Diet. There was initial speculation that the diet would cause a cholesterol build-up in the body, therefore leading to heart disease due to the high-fat content of the foods that people on the diet could consume. However, as more and more experts have looked into the diet, they have found that there are inherent advantages for beginning this type of diet. For one, the body is able to utilize fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. The body will therefore not rely on carbohydrates since there is such a low amount entering the body, and will thus be able to store ketones - the fats - for later energy use.
Another benefit is the fact that the body will not be as hungry, and people on the Keto Diet therefore are at a lower risk of falling off their regiment by snacking. Because the Keto Diet encourages the consumption of various protein-rich foods which work to curb hunger. The body goes into the state of ketosis - which is common among those who fast regularly - and therefore does not require a lot of food to keep it going. What better than to be on a healthy diet and not have constant hunger pangs?
Finally, the health benefits offered by the Keto Diet are remarkable. People who follow the Keto Diet completely eliminate starchy carbohydrates, such as breads and pastas, and substitute them with non-starch vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and many others. These kinds of vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients that support a healthy body, and are also much lower in calories. The Keto Diet, in addition to aiding those who suffer from illnesses such as epilepsy, is also recommended for cancer patients. As research has shown, cancer cells flourish in areas of the body where there is a lot of glucose, which is what carbohydrates become. If the body consumes less carbohydrates, there will therefore be less glucose, and subsequently the cancer cells will not be able to grow and thrive
Regulates Cholesterol
A Keto diet has shown to improve triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels most associated with arterial buildup.
Accelerated Weight Loss
As your body is burning fat as the main source of energy, you will essentially be using your fat stores as an energy source while in a fasting state.
Reduces Blood Sugar
Many studies show the decrease of LDL cholesterol over time and have shown to eliminate ailments such as type 2 diabetes.
Improves Energy Levels
By giving your body a better and more reliable energy source, you will feel more energized during the day. Fats are shown to be the most effective molecule to burn as fuel.
Reduces Hunger
Fat is naturally more satisfying and ends up leaving us in a satiated (“full”) state for longer.
Reduce Acne
Recent studies have shown a drop in acne lesions and skin inflammation over 12 weeks