Comparisonsmaster
Keto Diet or Low Carb Diet: Pros and Cons
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A low carb diet is based on the principle that most carbohydrates (carbs) consumed are turned into sugar in the body, which contributes to not only weight gain, but also can induce or worsen type 2 diabetes. Thus, the less carbs you eat will promote weight loss and a healthy blood sugar level.
A keto diet not only is a more extreme low carb diet (allowing only a very minimal amount of carbs eaten), it also entails a very high amount of fat consumed in your diet. The purpose of this is to force your body into a state of “ketosis” – where you start burning fat instead of sugar to get your energy. Thus a keto diet relies on changing your digestive chemistry to achieve weight loss and other benefits.
A low carb diet is based on the principle that most carbohydrates (carbs) consumed are turned into sugar in the body, which contributes to not only weight gain, but also can induce or worsen type 2 diabetes. Thus, the less carbs you eat will promote weight loss and a healthy blood sugar level.
A keto diet not only is a more extreme low carb diet (allowing only a very minimal amount of carbs eaten), it also entails a very high amount of fat consumed in your diet. The purpose of this is to force your body into a state of “ketosis” – where you start burning fat instead of sugar to get your energy. Thus a keto diet relies on changing your digestive chemistry to achieve weight loss and other benefits.
Low Carb Diet - Pros
– Is easier to follow and maintain than keto
– Much less likelihood of side effects compared to keto
– Promotes weight loss, including lowering of body mass index
– Very helpful in keeping a healthy blood sugar level, which is crucial regarding fighting diabetes
– Safe for most people to continue long term
– Usually forces the elimination of most “junk food”
Low Carb Diet - Cons
– Can be very challenging for “carb addicts” to adapt to
– Also a challenge for those dependent on convenience foods (fast food, microwave meals, highly processed foods, etc.)
– May cause constipation
– Can , usually at first, cause a lack of energy
– Limits consumption of fruits
Keto Diet - Pros
– Helps promote weight loss and lower blood sugar levels
– May increase effectiveness of insulin, which helps fight diabetes
– May help reduce appetite
– Can promote lowering of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood
Keto Diet - Cons
– Difficult for many people to adapt or maintain
– Risk of side effects including: headaches, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and lack of motivation
– Constipation is a common side effect
– Limits consumption of fruits
– Lack of long term data regarding effectiveness and safety
Conclusion
Overall, a regular low carb diet (not keto) is easier and safer for most people. Also, any diet usually needs to be combined with some sort of exercise regimen to be effective. As with any kind of diet change, you should always consult your physician.
