I'm sure many of you have already heard of the keto diet, with it being popularized all over the world! This low-carb, high-fat meal plan contains many amazing dishes that have all our favorites, from bacon down to the oily foods we know and love. However, the keto is more than simply eating the highest of fat without the carbs. 



It's important to begin understanding exactly how the keto diet works before jumping into it! So if you are wondering what the keto diet is and its benefits then read on as I show you everything you need to know!

The keto diet consists of high healthy fats, moderate proteins, and very low carbohydrates which lasts for up to three months, mimicking the similar results of fasting.

According to KetoVale.com, to get into ketosis, you will need to cut down the consumption of your carbs, getting 75% of calories from fat and 5% from carbs (the rest from protein). 

The keto diet would trick your body into fasting because of restricting it from glucose found in carbohydrates. Because your body does not use glucose or carbs for its source of energy, it would then metabolize and burn the fat consumed and stored in your cells instead (your body enters ketosis once it begins doing this). 

This is the reason why most people would lose excess fat and shed pounds quicker compared to those who are following a low-fat diet. 

So, how does the keto diet benefit you? Here are the different advantages it has to offer:

1. Appetite Control and Weight Loss 
Once your body enters ketosis, your insulin and blood sugar levels will drop. This will give your fat cells the chance to release retained water, which is the reason why you notice you drop a ton of weight in the first few days. Once that happens, fat cells will begin entering the bloodstream and liver, converting into ketones that will have you burn and metabolize fat for energy.

Furthermore, because you aren't consuming too much sugar and focusing on both fat and protein, you will notice you aren't as hungry, which puts you in a calorie deficit for efficient fat loss.

2. Better Brain Function 
When you use carbs as an energy source, it may cause blood sugar levels to go up and down, which makes it difficult for your brain to stay focused for extended periods of time. But once you're in ketosis and your body uses ketones as a source of brain fuel, your brain can rely on it for longer, having you focus better and with the improved mood levels. It truly does show a difference in memory and concentration!

3. More Energy
Your body only stores a certain amount of glycogen, which means you'll have to keep refueling your body to maintain its energy. But with having more fat that continues to burn, you'll have improved energy levels. Not only will you find yourself craving less and staying satiated throughout the day, but your body has enough energy for workouts and daily activities. No more yawning at work!

4. Better Cholesterol Levels and Blood Pressure 
You might think: When consuming more fat, won't that mean that your cholesterol and blood pressure levels will shoot up? Well, with the keto diet, you will be able to raise the "good" cholesterol levels while keeping the "bad" ones at bay. Furthermore, following a keto diet can help balance your blood pressure, lowering it if you suffer from hypertension. Some people (under a medical professional's watch) have stopped taking medicine because of having balanced blood pressure after following the diet.

5. Balanced Insulin Levels 
Because your body won't have the erratic blood sugar levels from consuming carbs, it can balance your insulin levels, even fighting off type II diabetes. This is because sugars are removed from your diet, lowering the HbA1c count that causes diabetes. It may even reverse the symptoms of the condition.

Wrapping It Up
If you're looking for an effective diet that won't only have you lose weight but reap much-needed health benefits, then the keto diet is the way to go. Instead of being fearful of fat, it's time to embrace it to burn even more of it for the sake of a better mind and body.

I hope that this article answers your question "What is the keto diet and its benefits?" Now that you're more knowledgeable with this diet and how it works, create a concrete plan to start out now!

If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on the keto diet, do comment below. I would love to hear what you have to think.