Low-carb diets are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat and have been studied for years on how beneficial they are to the health. The main purpose of these diets is for weight loss but they have also been shown to benefit the health in other areas, such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The ketogenic diets has also been popular in recent years, as it is a form of low-carb diet that puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Most people opt for the pills as an easier alternative, which has also gotten more popular and is sometimes referred to as the shark tank keto pills, following the movie- Shark Tank.
Below are some of the health benefits of low-carb and ketogenic diets:
1. It Helps with Weight Loss
Low-carb diets have restricted amounts of carbohydrates, which causes a decrease in appetite-stimulating hormones- insulin and ghrelin. The high-fat content also has a satiating effect, which causes decreased food cravings. While the body works to convert fat and protein to glucose, it burns more calories. All of these contribute to weight loss, which makes this form of diet known for its weight loss effects.
2. It Reduces Triglyceride Levels
Triglycerides are fat molecules in the blood and an important measure of heart health, as a high level can increase the risk of heart disease. A study on some subjects showed how the restriction on carbohydrates altered lipoprotein metabolism, with the plasma LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) significantly reduced.
3. It Reduces Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels
Low-carb and ketogenic diets are known to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, which reduces the risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other illnesses. Studies have shown that very low carbohydrate with a high saturated fat diet has an effect on the blood sugar and insulin levels. A PubMed study further proves that this diet may be useful in the short-term management of subjects with insulin resistance.
4. It Lowers Blood Pressure
Health experts advise people to check their blood pressure regularly due to the risks associated with elevated blood pressure. This includes heart disease, stroke, narrowed blood vessels in the kidney, aneurysm, and more. Low-carb diets have been shown to help lower blood pressure due to the reduced levels of carbohydrates and increased nutrients to keep the body healthy.
5. It Increases HDL Cholesterol and Reduces LDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the “good” cholesterol while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the “bad” cholesterol. The ratio of HDL levels to LDL can determine your risk of heart disease. Low-carb and ketogenic diets contain healthy fats that help increases good cholesterol, which reduces the risk of several illnesses.
Conclusion
Low-carb and ketogenic diets have been to benefit health in several ways beyond weight loss. This could be a safe and effective method to try to help improve your health while eating healthily. These five benefits are important and will give you an improved quality of life.
