I'm sure that by now you are well aware of the ketogenic diet and all of its supposed health benefits. There's a reason why a lot of people are adopting this way of eating. It works for most people. And studies prove this.
In a recent study from The Ohio State University, researchers looked at how a ketogenic diet could aid in the reversal of metabolic syndrome. They wanted to find out if a low-carb way of eating could specifically benefit those who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, whether they lost weight with this diet or not.
Researchers took a group of obese individuals who were at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. They had them follow a low-carb diet for four weeks. In those four weeks, they discovered that at least half of the study participants reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes and drastically improved their metabolic syndrome, regardless of weight loss.
The risk factors of metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides. It's amazing that in just four weeks, at least 50% of the study participates saw improvements in these markers.
There has been debate among nutritionists whether or not low-carb diets are right for everyone. I believe in bio individuality. What works for some may not work for all. But I also believe that Americans can stand to reduce their carbohydrate intake quite significantly. The standard American diet contains too many refined carbohydrates. Cutting back on these foods can help people to improve their health. Even in a short amount of time, as the study suggests.
The study concluded that those with metabolic syndrome, especially those who are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, could improve their health by following a low-carb diet. Restricting carbohydrate intake, even when weight is not lost, improves metabolic syndrome in sensitive individuals.
The study participants saw a reduction in triglyceride levels and a rise in HDL, the "good" cholesterol. The low-carb diet that they were fed included 2.5 times more saturated fat than what is recommended by the American Heart Association. Yet these individuals saw less saturated fat in their bloodstream. Participants also saw improved blood sugar markers. There was no significant improvement in blood pressure during the four week study. That's not to say that blood pressure can't improve on a longer term low-carb diet.
It should be noted that this was not a long-term study. Studies are currently being done to evaluate the long-term effects of a ketogenic diet. Many people who have adopted this way of eating have had a lot of success. The next step is to conduct a long-term study with a group of similar individuals who are at risk for type 2 diabetes and who show markers of metabolic syndrome.
Have you had success with a low-carb or ketogenic diet, or do you know someone who has?
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