Facts and Myths About Keto
Learn more about the various myths and facts surrounding the popular keto diet.
You might have heard many anecdotes touting the benefits of the keto diet. In fact, every year, there is a rise in the popularity of low-carb, high-fat, and moderate protein diet. The diet is an effective way to put the body into ketosis- a metabolic shift. Once the body goes into ketosis, it starts burning fat instead of carbs as the main source of energy.
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Because of its popularity, countless misconceptions surround this low-carb diet. These myths lack sufficient evidence to back them up. In fact, they don’t stem from the core principles of the ketogenic diet at all.
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If you’re considering trying the keto diet, take a closer look at the myths and facts surrounding the diet regime.
Facts and Myths about Keto Diet
Myth #1: Keto Lacks Scientific Evidence
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Fact: A bulk of evidence explaining the science behind the keto diet supports its benefits. In fact, many studies have demonstrated the effects of keto as a low carb diet that can help with significant weight loss. This diet is high in fat and protein. It reduces hunger and helps you control your appetite and cravings. On-going studies on keto show how beneficial it is for people with type 2 diabetes.
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Myth #2: Keto Can Cause Dehydration
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Fact: This is another prevalent myth in many tropical countries. Some people may feel a little dehydrated when opting for keto because the body stops burning glucose. But it happens in the first week only when the body is in a transition phase. After a few weeks, your body adapts to the changes and feels more energetic and healthy.
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Myth #3: Keto is Not Good for Your Heart
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Fact: Many people believe that a ketogenic diet means that they can eat butter and bacon all day. This is far from true. While there is nothing wrong with adding butter and bacon to your keto diet, you can use plenty of other staples as fat sources.
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Foods like flaxseed, avocado, MCT oil, and olive oil are all heart-healthy choices you can add to your keto diet. It doesn’t end here; the keto diet has many heart health benefits as it reduces triglycerides – fat particles in the bloodstream.
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Myth #4: Everyone Needs the Same Amount of Carbs
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Fact: The number of carbs you need in the keto diet depends on your health. Typically, people start with 20 to 50 grams of carbs a day to help their body enter the diet phase. Nonetheless, you may go higher or lower depending on your health and level of physical activity. It is always better to team up with your dietitian to evaluate your nutritional needs.
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Myth #5: The Keto is Dangerous
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Fact: Many people confuse ketosis with ketoacidosis, a complicated medical state of diabetes. In this condition, the body starts producing a high level of ketones. The keto diet, however, increases ketones, but at a safe level. It occurs when the body transitions from burning carbs to fat.
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