Keto Part III: What's All the Hype?

In addition to potentially helping one maintain a healthy weight, some believe a Keto diet can help one’s body fight inflammation and slow down the aging process. This is due to the fact that with the Standard American Diet (SAD), carbohydrates are preferred and burning them produces free radical as a biproduct.

However, others have reservations about eating a high fat diet, arguing that a high fat diet can lead to heart disease. Actually, this may be only half true. A high fat diet eaten with a large amount of carbs (over 50 gm of carbs per day) triggers insulin production which leads to the storage of the large amount of fat that is consumed. This also contributes to the production of heart disease-causing plaques in the arteries.

By contrast, a high fat, low carb diet (less than 50 gm carbs per day) triggers minimal insulin production. Insulin is necessary for fat storage. So without insulin coursing through your veins, it’s harder for your body to store the fat you have eaten. Also, when there is insulin in the blood stream, the body is saying that it is choosing carbs as a main source of energy (as opposed to the fat on your thighs and hips you want it to use).

The idea that ‘Fat makes you fat” has come under scrutiny in the past several decades. Some believe that metabolism is a little more complex than calories in/calories out. Still there are those who believe a low fat/high carb diet that looks at calories in/calories out is the responsible thing to do.

If you’re considering Keto, remember Keto is not for everyone. If you have diabetes, especially if you are insulin-dependent, consult a dietitian or your doctor before you start any new eating plan. Feel free to book a free consultation with our Empowered Medicine Dietitian on our website: www.empoweredmedicine.com.