Is Ketogenic Diet Your New Weight Loss Strategy? Here's Everything You Must Know About The Diet

Of late, a lot many people have been following the keto diet. Whether it is celebrities or the common man, it seems keto is the new weight loss strategy for many. First of all let us understand what a ketogenic diet is. In simple words, the diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates while allowing moderate proteins. The aim of the keto diet is to keep, your body in a metabolic state called ketosis. Generally, the human bodies burn carbohydrates for energy. When the amount of carbs you intake is limited, the body will break down the stored fat, creating molecules called ketones to use as fuel. The most important thing in a keto diet is that the body burns fats for fuel rather than carbohydrates. Also, the diet allows you get more calories from protein sources and fats from carbohydrates.

Also read: You Must Have These 7 Super Healthy Low-Carb Vegetables While On A Keto Diet

When a person eats a meal rich in carbohydrates, their body takes uses those carbs and converts them to glucose for fuel. Insulin is then made to move that glucose into the bloodstream. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy when the diet includes carbohydrates. However, but on the ketogenic diet, carbohydrate intake is very low. So when the diet lacks carbs, the body utilizes another form of energy. In the absence of carbs, the liver takes fatty acids in the body and converts them into ketone bodies, also known as ketones, as an energy source. This is why the diet helps in quick weight loss.

The aim of the keto diet is to keep, your body in a metabolic state called ketosis.
Photo Credit: iStock

Some of the common health benefits of keto diet are weight loss, reduction in acne, may put you at a less risk of certain types of cancer, proper functioning of the brain and helps in maintaining a healthy heart. While some health hazards related to following a keto diet are formation of kidney stones, headaches, lack of fiber which lead to digestive issues, lower blood sugar levels, acidity and muscle loss. Moreover, since the diet lacks in common nutrients it may be difficult for you to sustain.

Also read: What Can You Drink On A Keto Diet? Perfect Guide To Keto Drinks

Foods that are allowed while on a keto diet are seafood, meat, high-fat dairy products, avocado, cheese, cottage cheese, coconut oil, eggs, Greek yoghurt, olives, butter, cream and healthy nuts and seeds. On the other hand, packaged and processed food, milk products, low-fat dairy products, sweetened beverages, legumes and certain oils. 

According to the Delhi based nutritionist, Monisha Ashoakan, "Keto diet is the new FAD Diet that everyone wants to follow. Even though the diet helps in tremendous weight loss, it is not meant for everyone. A high fat diet uses ketosis to fuel your body for energy. Ketones are a by product of fat metabolism and excess of ketones in the body have harmful effects. It can cause dizziness, flu and fever. The diet eliminates fiber which is essential for the body. Fiber helps to prevent cancer of the colon, cardiovascular diseases and keeps you full. Thus, the diet needs to be followed with utmost caution." The nutritionist further went on to say, "These fad diets are meant to give a shock to your body by making it follow a pattern that's very different from the usual pattern. Thus if used it should be used for a short duration only!"

On the other hand, packaged and processed food, milk products, low-fat dairy products, sweetened beverages, legumes and certain oils. 
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: If You Are On A Keto Diet You Must Eat This Vegetable

(Monisha Ashokan is a nutritionist at Nourish Me)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.