Are you new to the keto diet club for weight reduction, looking for advantages and disadvantages of a ketogenic diet? Well, then you’ve stumbled on the right article. To make it easy for you to understand I have listed down 5 pros and cons of keto diet.
What is Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet reduces carbohydrate intake and increases fat intake while protein intake is kept moderate.
5 Advantages of a Ketogenic Diet:
Listed below are 5 advantages of a ketogenic diet plan:
- Weight Loss Without Starving:
The first and foremost advantage of a ketogenic diet is that you do not have to starve yourself in order to lose weight. Portion control and calculated intake of carbs, fats plus protein are more than enough to shed those extra pounds.
- Improves Cognitive Functioning:
The ketogenic diet was initially designed to treat or at least reduce the severity of symptoms in patients suffering from epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. A ketogenic diet plan has proven to improve mental clarity and cognitive functioning in individuals.
- Lowers Insulin Level:
A keto diet helps in reducing insulin levels by reducing insulin sensitivity overall. If you are diabetic, it is best to consult your doctor before going on a ketogenic diet plan.
- Reduce Triglycerides and Improves HDL Cholesterol:
A low carb high-fat diet reduces triglycerides circulating in the blood and improves HDL which is the good cholesterol.
- Helps Get Rid of Sugar Addiction:
Since it’s a low carb diet, it will not only reduce but also help you completely get rid of excessive sugar intake.
5 Disadvantages of a Ketogenic Diet:
Read on to know more about the disadvantages of a ketogenic diet plan.
- Aiming for Ketoacidosis Instead of Ketosis:
If you are diabetic and follow a ketogenic diet plan without professional consultation you might have to face a very serious and even fatal condition called ketoacidosis. The aim of a keto diet is to maintain ketosis (the metabolic state) not ketoacidosis (hyperproduction of ketones)
- Keto Flu:
Most individuals experience the keto flu when they initially start a ketogenic diet plan. The symptoms are similar to regular which includes fever, headache and body aches. This is because of the transition your body goes through.
- Brain Fog:
During the transition phase (when the body switches from carbs to fats for fuel) you might experience brain fog and lethargy.
- Deficiency of Nutrients:
Due to restricted dietary intake over a period of time individuals on a keto diet might end up having nutritional deficiencies if not catered to by taking dietary supplements.
- Reduce Athletic Performance:
Due to fluctuation in energy level, you might not feel the same energy boost which you once did while working out. This might have an adverse impact on your athletic performance