Health Benefits of Low-Carb and Keto Diets

Kris Gunnars BSc writes:
"10 Health Benefits of Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets

Low-carb diets have been controversial for decades. Some people assert that these diets raise cholesterol and cause heart disease due to their high fat content. However, in most scientific studies, low-carb diets prove their worth as healthy and beneficial. A low-carb diet not only causes more weight loss but also leads to major improvements in most risk factors for heart disease — including cholesterol.

Here are 10 proven health benefits of low-carb and ketogenic diets: 

1. Low-Carb Diets Reduce Your Appetite 

Summary Studies indicate that cutting carbs can automatically reduce your appetite and calorie intake. 

2. Low-Carb Diets Lead to More Weight Loss at First 

Summary Almost without exception, low-carb diets lead to more short-term weight loss than low-fat diets. However, low-carb diets seem to lose their advantage in the long term.

3. A Greater Proportion of Fat Loss Comes From Your Abdominal Cavity

Summary A large percentage of the fat lost on low-carb diets tends to be harmful abdominal fat that is known to cause serious metabolic problems.

4. Triglycerides Tend to Drop Drastically

Summary Low-carb diets are very effective at lowering blood triglycerides, which are fat molecules that increase your risk of heart disease. 

5. Increased Levels of 'Good' HDL Cholesterol 
Summary Low-carb diets tend to be high in fat, which leads to an impressive increase in blood levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. 

6. Reduced Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels 
Summary The best way to lower blood sugar and insulin levels is to reduce carb consumption, which may treat and possibly even reverse type 2 diabetes. 

7. May Lower Blood Pressure 
Summary Cutting carbs leads to a significant reduction in blood pressure, which should reduce your risk of many common diseases. 

8. Effective Against Metabolic Syndrome 
Summary Healthy low-carb diets effectively reverse all five key symptoms of metabolic syndrome, a serious condition which increases your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

9. Improved 'Bad' LDL Cholesterol Levels 
Summary When you eat a low-carb diet, the size of your “bad” LDL particles increases, which reduces their harmful effects. Cutting carbs may also reduce the number of total LDL particles in your bloodstream. 

10. Therapeutic for Several Brain Disorders 
Summary Very low-carb and ketogenic diets are now being studied for other brain conditions as well, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Low-carb and keto diets have proven beneficial in treating epilepsy in children and are being studied for their effects on other brain conditions. 

The Bottom Line 
Few things are as well established in nutrition science as the immense health benefits of low-carb and ketogenic diets. Not only can these diets improve your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, but they also reduce your appetite, boost weight loss and lower your triglycerides. If you’re curious to boost your health, one of these diets could be worth considering."

The above words are just a snippet from Kris's post, please read it in full here

You may also be interested in reading:
'Health Conditions That May Benefit From a Ketogenic Diet' see it here 
and

'Introduction to low-carb for beginners' see it here

All the best Jan