The Health Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

Have you heard of compounds called “ketones”?

If so, it was probably due to their controversial nature. In fact, many believe these compounds to be dangerous and unhealthy. But as you are about to discover, ketones can be nothing short of ”miraculous” for the health of your brain and even reversing Alzheimer’s disease.

These compounds were popularized by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1990’s for their profound effects on weight loss. And while ketones do have an impressive ability to help your body torch through fat, these molecules have been maligned by modern medicine.

This is due to a state of extreme ketones in the blood, called “ketoacidosis.” The truth is that this while this condition is dangerous, it is extremely rare and only occurs in Type 1 diabetics who are not regulating their insulin levels properly.

For the rest of us, ketones are a very, very good thing.

But what are ketones anyway?

A Ketogenic Diet: Your Body (and Brain) on Fat

When glucose reserves are low, your body takes action to create the fuel it needs to power the brain, organs and muscles. One way this happens is by converting protein to sugar – a process called gluconeogenesis.

Alternately, when lower amounts of protein are available, fats are converted to ketones, through a process called ketosis. These molecules act as a stand-in for some of the sugar required by the brain.

The result of ketosis is a state of fat burning that preserves muscle mass and powers our body with a clean source of fuel.

But what makes ketones clean fuel?

Ketones: Clear out the “Junk” for Better Cellular Function

As we age, “junk proteins” accumulate in our cells, making them less efficient. As more “junk” builds up, less of the cell is available to function.

The result: Aging and degeneration.

But ketones act as cellular detoxifiers that deep clean your cells. They help remove the “junk” (including damaged proteins, organelles, foreign bodies) from the watery interior of the cells to a special dumping ground (called the lysosome) where they are degraded.

Why does this happen?

As the body seeks out protein to convert to glucose, it wisely seeks a source that is non-essential. And what is less essential to your body than the “junk” protein gumming up your cells?

Not only does ketosis make for a better fuel, but it actually improves cellular function in the process!

While ketones are produced in the liver, research shows that these special compounds are also produced in the brain by cells called astrocytes. In the brain, ketones have been found to:

Decrease free radical production
Boost the production of brain-protective antioxidants
Halt the destruction of brain cells
Reduce amyloid plaque – the sticky substance that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease

It’s no wonder a ketogenic diet has been found to improve cognitive function and is being used therapeutically for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism and ALS!

In fact, a recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic and published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that people on a high-fat diet had a 44 percent risk reduction for developing dementia, while those on a high-carb diet had an 89 percent increased risk!

Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D. and author of Grain Brain says:

“When the brain is powered by ketones, it functions a lot better, allowing us, when we’re calorie-deprived, like in our hunter-gatherer days for example, to remain clever…”

A Ketogenic Diet: Ancestral By Design

The ketogenic diet is not a “new diet”.

In fact, powering our bodies and brains with a fat-rich diet is how our ancestors existed for thousands of generations. This is the diet on which our brains evolved to function best.

As hunters and gatherers, it makes sense that we would feast on fatty foods and then go for extended periods without food (initiating ketosis). It also seems reasonable that with little sugar available, our ancestors derived much of their energy from ketones.

So, how do you increase your state of ketosis… deep clean your cells… protect your brain… AND get a leaner body in the process? Here are three simple ways:

Intermittent Fasting (IF): Intermittent fasting is a great way to power up ketosis, burn fat and turn on longevity genes… without modifying your routine most of the time.
Eat Coconut Products: Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats found in high concentrations in coconut oil and MCT oil. These healthy fats help the body get into a state of ketosis.
Eat A High Healthy Fat, Moderate Protein, Very Low Carbohydrate Diet. Around 50 grams of carbs per day is the benchmark that will get most people into ketosis. Amounts of macronutrients required will vary by individual. You can also check out “Keto-Calculator” to find your sweet spot based on your age, activity and other factors.

Need some ideas on how to get more delicious, healthy fat in your diet? Here are some of my favorites:

Bone Marrow: Roast bone marrow and enjoy with your favorite meats, over sautéed veggies, or just enjoy with a spoon!
Kerrygold Butter: Need I say more?
Pork Rinds: A crunchy fat-rich snack that will satisfy your need for fat (and your crunch cravings too!)
Lard, Tallow & Duck Fat: Use liberally for more flavor and ketogenic-goodness.
Lamb: A particularly fatty meat with wonderful flavor. Try ground lamb burgers cooked in your favorite fat for a rich delight.
Pork Sausage & Bacon: My best advice? Make it in big batches so it is readily available.
75% Ground Grass-Fed Beef: Use for your Paleo “spaghetti” sauce, burgers and more to get higher amounts of healthy CLA and saturated fat.

Research shows that eating the ancient diet of our ancestors – rich in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates – can help protect our brains long into our golden years. Not only can you remain sharp and spry, but do it by enjoying bacon, butter, lamb and beef!

When the craving for carbs strikes, check out our low carb recipes and our Keto Paleo Dinner Rolls for ketogenic-friendly comfort food!