Of course I always presume that everyone just knows the health benefits of keto, what the Keto diet is, etc. (Maybe that's because keto is all I ever talk about, ha!) In case you are new to the party or want to geek out on some Keto facts, here is the low down!

What is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate diet.

Typically, when the body is fed a diet high of carbohydrates, glucose will be produced as your energy source, and insulin will be provided to carry the glucose throughout your bloodstream. In this case, the fats you ingest are not needed as an energy source and become stored rather than used.

However, when carb intake is low, and your protein intake is moderate (such as during the keto diet), your body goes into a metabolic state known as "ketosis." Ketosis is when your body burns the fat you eat to use as energy instead of storing it. With the keto diet, we force our bodies into ketosis by limiting our carb intake.

Benefits of a Keto Diet

If you are thinking about starting the keto diet, you may be wondering what kinds of benefits there are. The keto diet contains many benefits from weight loss to improved brain function.

Keto Aids in Weight Loss

Being in ketosis causes your body to burn fat and not glucose, and because your body is using the fat you eat rather than storing it, you will be able to benefit from weight loss while on the keto diet. In 2017, a study addressing weight loss with the keto diet was conducted on two groups of people – those who were exercising while on the keto diet and those who were exercising but were not on the keto diet. The study found that those who were on the keto diet lost an average of 7.6 pounds during the six weeks, while those who were not on the keto diet did not lose a significant amount of weight.

Keto Promotes Healthy Skin

Limiting carbohydrates may also decrease acne breakouts! Low glycemic diets have been shown to improve acne. The keto diet is packed with leafy greens and healthy fats that are high in antioxidants. Your skin will thank you for all those extra antioxidants. Our pure bone broth from grass-fed, pasture raised cows (US | Canada), is rich in collagen I, II and III as well as nutrients that will help you achieve glowing skin and improve nails and joints!

Keto Increases Energy Levels

Say goodbye to that midday slump! If you are looking to naturally increase your energy without having to rely on coffee every morning, keto will be able to help! When you're feeding your body carbs, your insulin levels can spike. Those spikes in insulin can cause you to feel sluggish and crash. As the keto diet limits the production of insulin, you aren't going to feel as tired.

Keto Increases Levels of Good Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) is often referred to as good cholesterol. It is responsible for transporting cholesterol around your body and taking any unused (and bad) cholesterol to your liver where it is then recycled or flushed out of your system. In other words, you want HDL cholesterol and keto will help increase your levels of it.

Keto Reduces Blood Pressure

A study conducted found that nearly half of the participants who took part experienced a healthy decrease in their blood pressure while on the Keto diet! From their time on keto, they were able to decrease their dosage of certain medications to help lower blood pressure as they didn't need them anymore.

Keto Improves Brain Function

The American Diabetes Association found improved brain function in patients who were on a keto diet. Another study also found that young adults who had mild cognitive impairment experienced improved brain function from being on a keto diet. Ketosis helps your body create mitochondria and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in your brain. ATP is a molecule that fuels our minds, and increased levels will improve our cognitive abilities.

Keto May Delay Aging

Keto can encourage the production of β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB). βOHB is a chemical found in the body that is said to slow down the aging process in cells.

Keto Balances Hormones

Keto's ability to balance hormones means that older women suffering from hot flashes and menopause can experience relief. Younger women who may suffer from hormonal imbalance will also be able to benefit from keto's ability to balance hormones.

Keto May Reduce Cancer

While keto is not a cure for all cancers, research shows that it may help reduce some types of cancers. Studies show that high levels of glucose increase cancer growth. By going on a keto diet, you could be starving the cancer cells of glucose and potentially limit their ability to survive.

Keto May Help Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can find natural relief by switching to a keto diet! Women can help control their PCOS by losing weight (if their doctor advises) and decreasing insulin resistance in the body. Keto helps achieve both factors above and can dramatically improve the symptoms of PCOS, which can be very unpleasant and include ovarian cysts, uncontrollable weight gain, and even struggles with fertility.

Keto for Life!

Keto is widely known for aiding in weight loss, but there are many more benefits, including:

• Healthy skin and anti-aging properties
• Increased energy levels and improved brain function
• Elevated levels of good cholesterol
• A reduction in blood pressure
• A reduction in some cancers
• PCOS treatment and hormonal balancing

To keep your body in a state of ketosis, it is essential to make sure you keep your healthy fat intake high. Our Organic MCT Oil Powder (US | Canada) is an easy way to keep your body in ketosis so you can benefit from all the important points listed above!

Need tips on how to maintain a ketogenic diet through even the most difficult times in your life? Be sure to stop by my Facebook group!

You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare

DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content in here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.