The keto diet was originally created by a physician in the 1920s in an effort to help patients that dealt with seizures and convulsions that were not being remedied by the use of medication. It was actually found to be quite successful, and quickly caught the attention of dieters when patients were also reported to have lost weight in the process. This diet has seen ups and downs over the years, and recently has become popular yet again.
The main reason that this diet is successful is due to the fact that it calls for the limited consumption of carbs, which produce sugars that are then translated to fat when they are not used. The diet only allows for 5% of the diet to consist of carbs, which is far lower than a typical American diet. Anyone that sticks to this part of the regime will almost definitely lose weight easily and quickly.
However, the ketogenic diet is more than just restricting carb intake. The ultimate goal is to create a state of ketosis in the body. Essentially, this is when the body stops using carbs as its primary source of energy and instead the liver creates ketones that encourage the use of fat instead. By reaching this state dieters will find that fat melts off the body very quickly and easily.
The diet also calls for a high consumption of fats, which is not typical of most diets. This also is to encourage the change in the body to use fat as its primary source of energy. The emphasis is placed on healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats, but does not exactly limit the consumption of saturated fats either.
This aspect of the diet does bring up a major concern for those that are educated in the field of nutrition and health. By consuming high levels of saturated fats, the individual is putting themselves at a high risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular issues later in life. This is especially true for those that adhere to the diet for many years. Saturated fats harden the arteries and can build up along their walls. This process leads to heart attacks and strokes in later years.
There is also concern of the changes of the body and brain over time. Those that stick to this diet may no longer be able to properly process carbs in the future. While carbs can cause weight gain, they are also important for many bodily functions, including brain health. It is highly recommended to only partake in this diet under the supervision of a physician to ensure that no negative effects are occurring along the way.
The keto diet is extremely popular due to its high rate of initial success. It is still out for debate as to whether or not it is a healthy diet for the long term, but that is the case with most nutritional plans. It is important to keep these factors in mind to ensure the best health possible.