The ketogenic diet or the keto diet, as it is famously known, is a major trend for those looking for a dramatic weight loss. But is it really effective, and more importantly, is it safe?

According to many studies conducted all over the world, the keto diet does not just aid in weight loss but has other numerous health benefits as well. This diet entails consuming high amounts of fat, a moderate amount of protein, and very limited amount of carbs. After the diet is followed for a few days, it enters ketosis, that means it is now burning fat for energy, instead of carbs – hence the fat and weight loss.

Whether the body has entered into ketosis or not, can be tracked with a urine ketone strip or a blood prick meter, but many dieticians vouch for the fact that poeple following this diet are eventually able to detect when their bodies have entered into ketosis. Here are some benefits one can reap from following the keto diet:

Aids in weight loss

The goal of the keto diet is to get more calories from proteins and fat than from carbs. It takes more work to turn fat into energy than to turn carbs into energy, hence the weight loss process is expedited. High protein content also doesn’t make one feel famished.

Reduces risk of cancer

A number of reasons have been cited in relation to keto diet and its benefits for those suffering from cancer. Since keto diet would cause more oxidative stress in cancer cells, it can be a good follow up to chemotherapy and radiation to combat cancer succesfully.

Improves heart health

This is one of the major health benefits of following the keto diet. Since some studies have found out that good cholestrol levels increased and bad cholestrol decreased, with the keto diet one can improve their heart health as cholestrol levels decreased gradually.

Improves brain functioning

The benefits of following a keto diet could include treatment and prevention of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and insomnia to name a few, but more research is needed on the subject. There have also been reports of reduction in seizures in people with epilepsy, owing to elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood.

Reduces acne

By decreasing carb intake, there are less dramatic blood sugar fluctuations as well as bacteria in the gut, hence reducing cases of acne to a considerable level!

May help women suffering from PCOS

A low carbohydrate diet can definitely impact women suffering from PCOS in a way that their weight and insulin levels are kept in check and even the hormonal balance is restored!

There are side effects to following any diet on a long term basis, but with the keto diet they can effectively be minimised. Sometimes dearth of carbs can have an hazardous effect as all bodies are not created alike, so make sure you speak to your dietitician at length before taking to keto diet!