This type of diet is getting famous around the United States in these few years, and it seems like fame is coming over to Malaysia too. And today we will be talking about the ketogenic diet.
What is it?
This is a diet with little to no carbohydrates and a high-fat diet, forcing the body to make “ketone” from fat since it can’t use “glucose” from carbohydrates like what happens normally. (Science facts!)
So it is good?
We are sorry here for not being able to give you a “yes or no”. Since it is new and there is a VERY FEW LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH on it, but here is the list of its benefits and drawbacks.
- Benefits
- Treating epilepsy. It is the only proven health benefit by reducing epilepsy seizures or even totally eliminate seizures (but rare).
- Weight loss. This is one of the most famous reasons for people to follow this diet and there is some evidence from short term research proving this, but evidence from long term research would be more reliable.
- Treatment and prevention of diseases. It may help people with problems like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Disease. BUT these require further researches.
- Drawbacks
- Hard to follow. Since the diet is completely different from a normal diet, being hungrier than usual for that period is tough for some people.
- Nutrient deficiency risks. If the diet is not well planned to take in enough vitamins and minerals, one might experience problems like kidney stones and decreased mineral density. Also, having constipation is common for keto-diet eaters.
- Health problems. We know that some fats can be healthy, but following this diet increase fat intake and increase the risk of having heart diseases.
Who Should avoid taking this diet
People with/are
- Kidney damage.
- Diabetes.
- High cardiac risk patients.
- Removed gallbladder.
- Thyroid disease.
- Pregnant.
- Breastfeeding.
Takeaways
We recommend only people with special needs like to treat diseases to do this diet. Since its effects are not studied with long-term researches yet, it would be better to follow the traditional diet if you are aiming for weight loss.
References
- Jessica, M. (2019, August 23). A Detailed Guide to the Potential Health Benefits and Risks of the Keto Diet. Retrieved 15 November 2019, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/ketogenic-diet/what-are-benefits-risks-keto-diet/#whoshouldavoidketo
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, October 1). Should you try the keto diet? Retrieved 15 November 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-try-the-keto-diet
- Marcelo, C. (2017, July 27). Ketogenic diet: Is the ultimate low-carb diet good for you?. Retrieved 15 November 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-good-for-you-2017072712089
