About The Keto Diet
A keto diet is simply a low carb diet where people consume foods low in carbs but high in fats. For those who want to lose weight, a keto diet has been shown as a great way to lose weight.
Taking more fats in your diet while eliminating carbs can actually help with weight loss. This diet is also referred to us by different names, among them the ketogenic diet, the low carb diet, and the low-carb, high fat (LCHF) diet.
A keto diet is consumed with the aim of having the body produce its energy from the fats stored in the body as compared to carbs. People eat foods high in carbs, and in response the body usually produces insulin and glucose. Glucose is then preferred over other body molecules to produce energy for the body. This leads to storage of fats, which at this point have no use in energy production.
However, by lowering the number of carbs consumed, your body will be induced to a state called ketosis. This is a natural state induced by the body to help one survive where there is a shortage of food. During this state, the body produces ketones from the stored fats which are then preferred for energy production.
A keto diet is the main diet used for the starvation of carbs, which then initiates the fat burning process. So, how about for vegans who have limited food choices, especially when it comes to fats?
Keto For Vegans
For vegans, it is quite common to be asked what to eat, especially if you’re on a keto diet. Your fat options are limited, but this does not mean a keto diet cannot work well for vegans. Carbohydrates are the main source of food for vegetarians, with other food choices being greatly limited.
Now, this possesses a challenge for vegans on a keto diet, as they have to cut out all their carbs. The fruits, vegetables, and wheat that vegans eat are all carbs. Cutting all this out is never easy unless one comes up with great ideas on how to supplement the shortages.
For vegans, the main rule for a ketogenic diet is no different from other people. Simply eat the right amount of proteins and healthy fats. There are several types of foods one can eat ranging from nuts, avocados, seeds, and coconut oil. The amount of carbs eaten must be cut down to as low as 50 grams a day. Vegans are not prohibited from eating vegetable fats, as their options are not as much as for the people that eat meat.
However, you have to choose carefully on what best suits your taste buds. Some of the best vegetable oils include things like the almond flour, olive oil, coconut oil, or simply an almond meal.
What Are The Benefits Of A Ketogenic Diet For Vegans?
One of the major benefits of a keto diet for vegans is weight loss, which is also a challenge for most people across the world. The lowered insulin level and the body’s ability to burn the stored fats is how the keto diet helps with weight loss. This is probably the best diet for weight loss and one that has been found to deliver fast results.
A keto diet has also been found to help prevent and to some extent kill cancer cells. A study done by the Department of Oncology at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa shows that a ketogenic diet is an effective treatment for cancer and several other serious health problems.
This diet is also considered a good option for healthy adults who are at a higher risk of getting the metabolic syndrome, as well as those struggling to lose weight or control their blood sugar levels. This kind of diet has been shown to help fight cardiovascular diseases, especially in people who are obese. The diet helps keep your blood pressure in check while lowering the triglyceride levels.
While most people view it as eating more fats, it is the consumption of more carbs that lead to high triglycerides in your body. A keto diet can also help decrease inflammation levels in the body and help improve cases of acne, eczema, arthritis, psoriasis, and IBS.
Other benefits, include:
- People On A Keto Diet Also Experience High Energy Levels And Good Sleep Patterns
- Assisting In Proper Digestion
- Less Gas And Bloating
- Less Heart Burn And Acid Reflux
- Less Risk Of Gallstones
- Increased Fertility In Women By Stabilizing Hormones
- More Stable Vision
Possible Side Effects Of A Keto Diet For Vegans
Going on a keto diet is considered unhealthy by most people and doctors. There is also the possibility of one smelling like acetone. The high protein diet will also put your kidneys under a lot of strain, possibly causing kidney stones and kidney failure.
When used in the treatment of epilepsy, long-term use of the keto diet can lead to brain homeostasis affecting the brain.
Top Foods For A Ketogenic Diet For Vegans
- Macadamia Nuts
- Sesame Oil
- Olive Oil
- Flax Seed
- Avocado, Fruit, And Oil
- Peanut Butter
Ketogenic Diet For Vegans Review Summary
A keto diet for a vegan is a bit difficult to stick to, but one that can easily be achieved by having a wide variety of food options. It is a great way to lose weight faster, but one that should not be relied upon for long term use as it is considered unhealthy in the long-term with some side effects.
