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The Buzz About Keto

 

            The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as the “keto diet” is defined as a low carbohydrate, high fat diet. It is very similar to the Atkins diet developed in the 1960s. 

The word “keto” is derived from the term ketosis, which is a metabolic state the body uses to adapt during times of famine. The brain’s main source of fuel is glucose, stored in the form glycogen, which is derived from the metabolism of carbohydrates. When the body’s glycogen stores are depleted, the body metabolizes fat to form another form of fuel the brain can use, known as ketones. Ketosis can be achieved by fasting or by limiting carbohydrate intake to 20 grams or less per day while increasing fat intake to 70 - 80% of total calories.

Scientific research has associated the ketogenic diet for use for children with epilepsy in decreasing the diseases’ effects with some success.  In recent years, the ketogenic diet has become a trendy diet on the market for weight loss. Weight loss will certainly occur with the metabolism of fat; however from a nutrition standpoint, the keto diet plan lacks many different macronutrient and micronutrient contexts. Registered dietitians cannot recommend the ketogenic diet as a means for weight loss due to the limitation of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-filled foods in addition to the high percentage of calories from fat.

 

 

Shannon White & Jennifer Tabachnick

LIU Post Campus Nutritionists Spring 2019