Healthy Food Choices and Improved Health when on the Ketosis Diet
The Ketosis diet is a low-carb dietary plan based on foods high in protein and fats. The body burns fats instead of carbohydrates. The brain, kidneys, and muscles use ketones, but some are released as waste material. Basically, the body becomes a fat-burning mechanism that metabolizes energy from its fat deposits. Fats and protein are not only sources of energy, however. They help repair the body’s cells and tissues and have an important role in many biological processes. These include insulin control, transporting oxygen and other molecules, regulating chromosome structure, etc.
People on the Ketosis diet are encouraged to eat foods that contain large amounts of fat and carbohydrates. High-fat foods include coconut milk, butter, cheese, and meats. Dieters can have fatty fish such as mackerel, trout, tuna, and salmon. Acceptable protein sources include roast beef, bacon, beef, and prime rib. All low carb vegetables are allowed, but starchy vegetables are banned. People should give up potatoes, pasta, and rice as well. Fruits high in carb content should be replaced with low-carb ones such as strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries. Not all drinks are allowed. Non-diet drinks, beer, and beverages high in carbohydrates are not recommended. Canned foods and other processed foods contain large amounts of carbohydrate and so are grains and breads. The list of forbidden foods includes condiments and sugary drinks as well as sweets, cakes, and all products that contain sugar.
All types of fat are allowed, but it is better to consume products with healthy fats. Healthy fats help control the weight and overcome fatigue. The good fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats found in corn oil, peanut oil, fatty fish, and avocados. The group of bad fats includes trans fats and saturated fats which increase cholesterol levels and the risk for heart problems such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, and chest pain. Foods that contain bad fats are coconut oil, ice cream, butter, and packaged snacks. Shellfish, olive oil, and tuna are healthier sources of fat. Dieters are encouraged to consume more foods with omega 3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil, walnuts, fish meat, and soya beans contain omega 3. While squids, lobsters, and clams are low in fat content, they contain fatty acids and are a good source of protein.
There are many benefits to being on a low-carb diet such as the Ketosis diet. Excluding potatoes, breads, and pasta from your diet decreases insulin levels, and smaller amounts of bad cholesterol are produced. Consuming healthy fats such as omega 3 lowers triglyceride levels, improves heart health, and reduces the risk for heart problems. They improve the brain function, lower the risk for stroke and heart attack, and help prevent osteoporosis. Other benefits to being on the Ketosis diet include reduced insulin resistance, drop in cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and increased energy levels. Dieters report less joint pain and stiffness, improved digestion, and lack of hunger. This meal plan is also an effective method for losing weight, especially when combined with exercise.
The Ketosis diet has been used to treat symptoms of epilepsy. According to researchers, ketones protect the brain from damage and decrease the risk for brain injuries, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. The Epilepsy Foundation of America recommends the Ketosis diet for the treatment of seizures. Further treatment may not be required if the symptoms disappear. The Epilepsy Foundation warns that some side effects are possible such as constipation and dehydration. These are easy to manage and control, especially under medical supervision.
Finally, research has shown that the Ketosis diet is beneficial for diabetics as it reduces the need for medications. Dieters see a considerable improvement in glucose control. As seen, the Ketosis diet is beneficial for diabetics, epilepsy sufferers, and overweight and obese people. It combines healthy foods for a steady and effective weight loss and weight control.