3 benefits of Keto Diet You Didn't Know About

The ketogenic diet has been around since the 1920s, but it’s gained a lot of popularity in recent years as people look for alternatives to their typical diets. The keto diet isn’t just another fad diet—it’s actually good for your health in many ways! If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of the keto diet, keep reading! Here are three benefits of the keto diet that are often overlooked

1 Reduces Inflammation

Because inflammation has been linked to a variety of conditions, ranging from heart disease to diabetes and Alzheimer’s, reducing it is critical for longevity. The keto diet accomplishes that by increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory fats—specifically omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers have found that omega-3s significantly reduce blood levels of CRP (1). High levels of CRP correlate with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Inflammation may also be at play in insulin resistance, which is when your body can’t properly use insulin. A study published in Diabetes Care found that when participants consumed low-carb diets rich in monounsaturated fats over two years, they had lower levels of inflammation and greater insulin sensitivity compared to those who ate high-carb diets

2 Promotes Mental Health

The keto diet may improve symptoms for people with different mental health conditions. A 2018 study published in Neurotherapeutics found that some participants showed improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety from a six-week ketogenic diet. Research suggests that keto may stabilize moods and support cognitive behavior by enhancing signaling from neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA, which are deficient in people with different mood disorders. Additionally, research has shown that eating a low-carb diet can help reduce inflammation markers in blood cells

3 Can Help Treat Alzheimer's

While it's still unclear exactly how and why, keto diets can help slow neurodegeneration in people with Alzheimer's disease. In fact, research shows that compared to those who don't follow a keto diet, those who do have less cognitive decline as they age. And when we think about neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia, foods like cheese can sometimes be allergenic to people who are part of different cultures where dairy isn't such a big deal. So if you're planning on trying out keto, talk to your doctor first or look into alternative diets
.