FAT IN YOUR COFFEE? - THE KETOGENIC DIET PART II
Posted on February 6, 2016
FAT IN YOUR COFFEE? – THE KETOGENIC DIET PART II
Last week, we starting introducing the ketogenic diet. In this blog, we will focus on some recent studies as well as more of a breakdown of the diet and its potential for health.
First there was the ketogenic diet….
In the 1920’s, long before anti-seizure medications, doctors discovered that if patients were fed a high fat, low carb diet, many patients had fewer seizures. Then, drugs like phenytoin (Dilantin) came around. Then, several more seizure medications came along in rapid succession and the old diet therapies were forgotten. Then came other dietary fads with mostly dubious health claims. Most notably in succession were low fat high fiber (remember the 80’s?), then super high protein, low everything else (Adkins); and now paleo (high protein, medium fat, low carb). Could the ketogenic diet be on its way to occupy the next fad diet spot?
What are ketones?
Ketones are simple compounds (aldehydes) that are created by the body when one consumes a high fat, normal protein, low carbohydrate diet. Essentially, the body shifts from using carbohydrates as the primary fuel source to fat. In this state, it is thought that one burns fat more efficiently*. As well, interestingly, ketones the body produces go to the brain. It turns out that ketones cross the blood brain barrier very easily and then become the brain’s main fuel source*. This may have interesting medical applications. Research into high fat diets and disease like epilepsy and brain cancer is extensive.
Next week, we’ll be giving some ketogenic recipes as well as further breakdown of how to implement this diet.
Studies/References on Ketogenic/High Fat diets
Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients
A Supplemented High-FatLow-Carbohydrate Diet for the Treatment of Glioblastoma.
The effects ofa ketogenic diet on exercise metabolism and physical performance inoff-road cyclists.
*Thee statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1 comment