A ketogenic diet is a special diet aimed at increasing the production of ketones in your body. The state where your body is stimulated to produce ketones is called ketosis. The keto diet can help you achieve a state of ketosis by depriving it of its primary source of energy.  

Let us have a look at what a ketogenic diet means and how does it work. 

What is a ketogenic diet?

The ketogenic diet, more popularly called the keto diet, was initially recommended for the treatment of epilepsy in children. It was only later that the researchers discovered the immense potential this diet possesses to help you lose weight. 

A keto diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fats. However, when we say fats, it means the healthy nutrients like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega 3 fatty acids. A keto diet also contains a moderate amount of proteins to ensure your body is not deprived of the essential nutrients it needs to support the growth and repair processes. 

How does a ketogenic diet work?

The goal of a ketogenic diet is to modify certain metabolic pathways by switching the body’s source of energy from carbohydrates to fats by producing ketones released during fat metabolism. 

When you are on a ketogenic diet that is devoid of carbohydrates in any form, your body does not receive its primary source of fuel. So, it is forced to rely on its secondary source of fuel, which is fats, in order to perform various functions. 

Thus, it stimulates the body to breakdown the fats stored in your body. These fats are carried to the liver to be converted into ketone bodies to ensure your body receives a continuous supply of fuel. 

Thus, a low-carb keto diet mobilizes the stubborn fat deposits and help you lose weight. A ketogenic diet, by boosting the breakdown and metabolism of stored fats, also offers several other health benefits such as diabetes control, reduced cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of cancer.