The keto diet has been talked about everywhere in the last couple of years! Celebrities, physicians, nutritionists, and many other health professionals have recommended it for weight loss. But where did it come from? Is it safe? Can anyone do it? Is it sustainable? Let’s mull over these questions a bit…
In the 1920s, physicians were researching and studying children who experienced seizures and epilepsies. The big breakthrough was when researchers realized that seizures occurred significantly less during starvation periods. With further analysis, they discovered that this was due to a lack of food, specifically carbohydrates, in which the body began to metabolize ketones. Ketone bodies are metabolized from fat storage by the liver and used as their primary energy source. With this study, scientists also noticed that periods of starvation and individuals consuming a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat produced the same effect. And that is how the ketogenic diet was born!
Macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) can vary depending on each person. However, the standard is 1 g of protein per kilogram of weight and 10-30 g of carbohydrates, while the remaining calories needed can be supplemented with healthy fats. However, when it comes to adding fats, it is important to add those unsaturated, mono- and polyunsaturated, rich in omega-3s. Some of these include avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish.
One of the benefits of a healthy keto diet is that it may help reduce blood glucose. Since this diet greatly reduces the intake of carbohydrates (glucose), fat is used as energy, and our blood glucose stays stable. Another benefit, and why in recent years the keto diet has become so popular, is that since our bodies are using fat for energy, weight loss can occur.
It is important to work with a nutritionist or specialist on the subject to achieve true ketosis. Remember, it’s not a one size fits all!