Chances are youve got a friend or family member who swears by KETO, or if you havent, then youve almost certainly heard of the myriad of celebrities who follow the diet religiously.

KETO has become more than a diet nowadays, its a way of life. Many restaurants offer extensive keto options on their menus, withSkinnys Bar and Grillin Bondi being Australias first KETO CAFE! Everything on their menu is low-carb, gluten-free and sugar-free. Sounds good, right?

Well before you hop in your car and make the mad dash to Bondi to grab a carb-free cheeseburger, let us see if the KETO hype stands up to science.

So, what is KETO? KETO stands for ketogenic. A ketogenic diet involves consuming as little carbs as possible, so the body is forced to enter a state of being called ketosis. Essentially, this means that it burns the bodysfat storesrather than thecarbohydratesa human consumes on a daily basis.

DoctorMarcelo Camposfrom Harvard Medical School explains it like this:Most cells prefer to use blood sugar, which comes from carbohydrates,as the bodys main source of energy. In the absence of circulating blood sugar from food, we start breaking down stored fat into molecules called ketone bodies (the process is called ketosis).

Once you reach ketosis, most cells will use ketone bodies to generate energy until we start eating carbohydrates again. The shift, from using circulating glucose to breaking down stored fat as a source of energy, usually happens over two to four days of eating fewer than20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Keep in mind that this is a highly individualized process, and some people need a more restricted diet to start producing enough ketones.

Because it lacks carbohydrates, aketogenic dietis rich in proteins and fats. It typically includes plenty of meats, eggs, processed meats, sausages, cheeses, fish, nuts, butter, oils, seeds, and fibrous vegetables.

Because it is so restrictive, it is really hard to follow over the long run. Carbohydrates normally account for at least 50% of the typical American diet.

One of the main criticisms of this diet is that many people tend to eat too much protein and poor-quality fats from processed foods, with very few fruits and vegetables. Patients with kidney disease need to be cautious because this diet could worsen their condition.

Additionally, some patients may feel a little tired in the beginning, while some may have bad breath, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sleep problems.

Despite the recent hype, the ketogenic diet is not something new. In medicine, it has been used for almost 100 years to treatdrug-resistant epilepsy, especially in children.

In the 1970s, Dr. Atkins popularized his very-low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss that began with averystricttwo-week ketogenic phase. This is where the KETO craze all began, and over the years, other fad diets incorporated a similar approach for weight loss.

Now that we know what the ketogenic diet involves, lets look at how safe it is for humans to follow.

According to Doctor Campos,We have solid evidence showing that a ketogenic diet reduces seizures in children, sometimes as effectively as medication. Because of these neuroprotective effects, questions have been raised about the possible benefits for other brain disorders such asParkinsons,Alzheimers, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, autism, and even brain cancer.

However, there are no human studies to support recommending ketosis to treat these conditions.

According to the worlds leading low-carb diet blogger and podcasterJimmy Moore, author ofKeto Clarity, the ketogenic diet seems to be quite beneficial for effectively treating a range of other health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn (GERD) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

On the subject of Type 2 diabetes, Halle Berry began speaking out in support of the keto diet in 2017. She explained in an appearance onLive With Kelly and Ryanthat shes a good candidate for the diet because shes diabetic.

Halle also spoke toPeopleabout KETO. I eat healthy fats all day long, avocado, oil, coconut oil and I use butter, but dont have any sugar. So when your body gets trained to burn fats, its constantly on fat-burning mode thats the secret,she noted.

A ketogenic diet also has been shown to improve blood sugar control for patients with type 2 diabetes, at least in the short term. However, there is a lot of controversies when doctors have considered the effects of KETO on cholesterol levels.

A few studies show some patients have an increase in cholesterol levels, in the beginning, only to see cholesterol fall afew months later. However, there isno long-term researchanalyzing its effects over time on diabetes and high cholesterol, at least as of now.

Back to Ms. Bond for a minute. Berry is just one of many celebs who swear by theKETO dietto help them combat health conditions naturally, with others who seemingly swear by the diet for staying slim and trim.

It would seem weight loss is the primary reason many people use the ketogenic diet. Previous research shows good evidence offaster weight losswhen patients go on a ketogenic or very low carbohydrate diet compared to participants on a more traditional low-fat diet, or even aMediterranean diet.

However, that difference in weight loss seems to disappear over time, as the KETO way of living is hard to keep up long term. And this is where we hit a crossroads.

If you want to lose weight, the fastest route to drop the kilos is often taken, without much consideration on long term effects or any advice taken from a doctor or dietician on proper eating.

KETO is often promised to get you slim quicker, as low-carb diets are famous for quick fat loss. The person will often lose a considerable amount of weight on KETO, then afterwards, go back to their normal way of eating. The weight slowly comes back and, then we go diet again; usually even more restrictedly than the first time. It is often much harder to lose the second time on a diet, and each time we restrict our bodies heavily, our metabolisms are put under a lot of stress. This process is called yo-yo dieting and can be harmful long term.

Studies have shown that most people who participate in the KETO diet, end up gaining the weight back faster than those who follow other restrictive diets. Why is that? Firstly, metabolic needs are largely based on body composition. Muscle uses more energy than fat, thus higher muscle mass means higher caloric needs.

Leading Dietician and Nutritionist Emily Baum explains KETO yo-yo dieting like this:

Quick weight loss often means losing muscle mass, not just fat loss. Most, if not ALL Fad diets are typically unsustainable so that when the diet is over, your body composition is now completely different to before. You now have less muscle, which means you now have to consume fewer calories than before the diet to maintain your new weight. People then resume their normal eating patterns and gain weight very quickly. This causes people to blame carbs or whatever food group they eliminated. When in reality, you changed your body composition, thus your caloric needs have changed. This is where KETO can potentially become dangerous.

So, is it eliminating carbohydrates the key?

It would seem that the KETO Diet is unsustainable long term; therefore, there are no long-term studies supporting that a keto diet is healthy, in particular for losing weight or decreasing morbidity rates.

So what can we take away from all this?

If you dont have a pre-existing health condition, (mentioned above), or havent been advised to eat KETO by a Doctor, Specialist or Dietician, perhaps following a traditionalMediterranean dietis the answer to optimal health, longevity and weight loss that stays off.

This way of eating combines a good combination of healthy fats and healthy, complex carbs. By including a larger food group, this ensures cravings are kept at bay, all the while getting all the nutrients you need to feel satiable and happy.

So, what are you waiting for! Lets get to cooking thosegemista(stuffed capsicums) and roast lamb with Greek salad. Happy healthy carb consuming!

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KETO Diet: Is It Just Hype Or A New Way Of Life? - GreekCityTimes.com

By Dr. Philip Goglia, WBC Nutrition Committee Chairman airs part two of his Benefits of Seaweed in a boxers diet.

Anti-Coagulant: Laboratory research has made it evident that seaweed possesses antioxidant and anti-coagulant properties. Anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners, prevent the formation of blood clots and decrease the threat of stroke, cardiac failure, and obstruction in the veins and arteries. The polysaccharides called fucoidans, which are present in brown algae, such as Turbinaria ornate, kelp, and bladderwrack exert this beneficial effect.

Detoxification: Seaweed possesses the ability to detoxify and cleanse the body and facilitates the excretion of toxic waste. The binding property of the natural absorbent, alginate, which is present in seaweed, makes toxic materials, including heavy metals like lead, mercury, and other pollutants indigestible and eliminated them from the body through bowel movements.

Influenza: Seaweed possesses anti-viral properties that have been proven promising in providing a protective effect against Influenza B virus. Seaweed extracts obstruct the absorption of harmful viral particles in the cells and prevents the body from getting infected.

Cardiovascular Health: Seaweed has been useful in sustaining lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. This helps in maintaining a healthy heart, smooth circulation in the blood vessels, and prevents fatal conditions like heart failure, atherosclerosis, and peripheral artery ailments.

Radiation Poisoning: Seaweed has the ability to protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight. This defensive effect can be attributed to the presence of fucoxanthin in the seaweed, which aids in preventing cell damage and enhancing the survival rate of the pre-treated cells. The antioxidant effect of fucoxanthin protects the skin from photo-aging, pigmentation, and wrinkle formation, while also making it an effective component to be used in the cosmetic industry for the manufacturing of sunscreens. Various research studies conducted to investigate the radio-protective effect of seaweed extracts against the exposure to gamma radiations have shown positive results.

Protects Your Eyes: The anti-ocular inflammatory effect exerted by fucoxanthin, present in seaweed, has shown promising results in the prevention of after-cataract. This complication is also known as posterior capsule opacification which can occur after cataract surgery. Fucoxanthin is utilized in the formulation of products used in ocular implants in the cataract surgery to avoid the risk of after-cataract.

Healthier Skin: The wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants in seaweed helps in keeping the skin revitalized, moisturized, and youthful. These elements guard the skin against the harmful effects of environmental pollutants and helps to slow down the skins aging process. Scientific research has made it evident that seaweed extracts contain anti-aging properties and are a useful ingredient in the manufacturing of skin care cosmetics. The anti-inflammatory properties present in seaweed are useful in treating skin rashes and wounds. The phytonutrients elevate blood flow and bring a healthy glow to the face. Seaweed wraps detoxify and cleanse the skin by expelling toxins out of the pores. Seaweed baths have also been admired among British and Irish people for ages due to their therapeutic effects.

Hair Care: The high mineral content of seaweed also aids in maintaining healthy hair. They help in strengthening the roots and shafts of hair follicles and make them thick and lustrous. Due to this beneficial effect, it has been proven valuable in the manufacturing of shampoos and hair creams.

Culinary Usage: Some seaweed has a nice flavor and is served as a delicacy in many Asian countries such as Japan, China, and Korea. Nori, Kombu, and wakame are some of the most commonly grown and used species in these countries. Famous Japanese sushi roll uses seaweed called nori as an ingredient with rice and raw fish. Seaweed such as agars and carrageenans are used in many processed food items like yogurt, health drinks, non-vegetarian dishes, and even high-quality German beer. The harvesting of seaweed is done to extract phycocolloids such as agar, carrageenan, and alginate to use them as food additives or preservatives for fish, meat dishes, and baked items.

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Boxing Nutrition: The benefits of seaweed in the diet Part 2 - WBN - World Boxing News

Know how to tell if a diet is right for you? You don't hate doing it. "The one diet to avoid is one that is not sustainable," explains Amy Helms, LMSW, MS, CEDRD-S, RD, LD. These can include diets that cut too many calories or plans that are not "compatible" with your lifestyle. "A plan that is too calorically restrictive will work against you in the long run," she explains. "Our bodies adapt to function on fewer calories, making weight regain just about inevitable."

Additionally, a big cut in calories is a primer for overeating or even binge eating. "For some this may lead to one more failed diet while for others it can lead to disordered eating," she points out. And, while low carbohydrate, high protein, and intermittent fasting methods may be effective in the short-term, they simply aren't sustainable for most people.

Here are 12 diets you should never try, according to health expertsand some you should. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.

1

While a meat-fueled, no-carb diet may help you lose weight, it can negatively impact your overall health, according to Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS of Montgomery County Chiropractic Center in North Wales, PA. "The Atkins Diet was an idea to include high fat and red meats as a primary component of your meals, and the concept was that you would lose weight this way. The problem with diets like this is that high concentrations of red meat and unsaturated fats can cause many health problems, including heart disease and high cholesterol," he explains. Studies have shown that diets high in red meat and trans fats should be avoided due to their long lasting health concerns.

2

Keto was the most highly-hyped diet in 2019, but Dr. Conrad isn't a fan. "The concept involves eating low carbohydrate meals with the goal of losing weight. By putting the body into a state of ketosis, the idea is that your body will store less body fat, and you can drop a few pounds," he explains. However, the problem with the ketogenic diet is that this puts additional stress on your internal organs, which need carbs to work, he explains. Additionally, he points to studies that have shown that prolonged low carbohydrate diets were dangerous and could lead to premature death.

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3

The Snake Dieta fad diet comprised of prolonged fasting periods (the initial two fasting periods are 48 hours and 72 hours) with low carbohydrate, high fat meals consumed in between the fasting periodsslithered around social media in 2019, with followers claiming dramatic weight loss results. However, experts hope the diet will shed in popularity in the upcoming year. "The safety and long-term effects are not known as is the case with most fad diets, which are, after all, a fadshort-lived and without scientific basis," says Ania Jastreboff, MD, Ph.D., Yale Medicine endocrinologist and director of the Weight Management&Obesity Prevention.

RELATED: I'm a Doctor and This Vitamin May Reduce Your COVID Risk

4

Juicing supporters boast that it helps cleanse your body of toxins and "build up" from unhealthy food in your body. "What it really is: fruits and veggies that have been stripped of their fiber and packed into a very expensive compostable bottle," explains certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist Holly Roser. "Our bodies are great at cleansing, through our liver and kidneys so the idea of juice removing toxins, is void of scientific backing." If you want to up your fruit and veggie intake, she suggests adding them to your diet in food form. However, if you prefer drinking them, she suggests blending them in a shake or smoothie, "so you're not missing the skin of the fruit or full fiber of the greens."

5

The Whole30 is meant to help you identify foods that cause you digestive or inflammation issues. Using it to lose weight isn't ideal. For instance, the plan bans legumessomething Roser finds questionable. "Legumes are packed with protein and have zero cholesterol, an amazing alternative to meat. They are an ideal choice to lose weight and live a healthy life with such an impressive nutrition profile," she explains.

And when the diet is overin this case, in just 30 daysyou will likely go back to your old habits. Despite the drawbacks, she does appreciate how the diet encourages people to cook real food instead of consuming processed food. And giving up alcohol is always a good idea. But, "in the end, it's impossible to keep up, like all diets, and people gain weight once they're off it."

6

Detox is one of those "health" buzzwords that are everywhere these daysfrom detox diets to detox shakes and detox waters. The idea behind "detoxification" is that by following these diets or consuming these products, your body will be cleansed of "toxins," and that in turn will help improve health and promote weight loss, but it's a little more complicated, explains Melissa Nieves, RD, Healthy Meals Supreme. "The concept of detoxification by external means such as diets and detox products is misleading," she explains. "The body itself is detoxifying, every day, at all times. That's what the kidneys and liver are for! In fact, if we were really so full of toxins, we would be hospitalized, not walking around drinking detox shakes!" While the body does detoxify itself, she explains we can help the process by staying hydrated and eating a high fiber diet.

7

Run, don't walk, away from the HCG diet, a meal plan that consists of just 500 calories a day and supplements or injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)the hormone that is produced by women during pregnancyseveral times a week. "People do lose weight on this diet, but it's really because they're eating such a small amount of calories a day," points out Nieves. "This type of diet is not sustainable, because who's going to be able to eat such a small amount of food for long periods of time?" Additionally, it's dangerous! Eating so little will lower your metabolism, making it harder to reach a healthy weight in the long-run. It also puts you at risk for malnutrition, can trigger eating disorders, and lead to muscle and tissue loss, "especially in vital organs such as the heart, since the body starts using its protein as energy under starvation conditions." Also, she points out, that the hCG hormone has only been approved as part of fertility treatmentsnot weight loss. "Only small studies have been done so far on the efficacy of using hCG for weight loss, using small sample sizes," she explains. "We don't have enough evidence of the potential health risks of using this hormone, nor whether it really works for weight loss."

8

Nieves hopes people will grow up when it comes to the Baby Food Diet! "This fad diet is supposed to help you lose weight by cutting calories and controlling portions. It involves replacing one or two meals or snacks a day with baby food. Each jar can range from 20-100 calories," she explains. Again, the reason people lose weight on this diet is due to the small amount of calories consumed each day. But like any other fad diet, it has its drawbacks. These include putting you at risk for malnutrition, "since the nutrient requirements in these foods are specifically set for babies." It is also incredibly difficult to sustain, "since their taste, and the fact that you're not "chewing" your food, is difficult for an adult to get used to," and won't keep you full and satisfied due to their low fiber and protein content. "Also, diets should be pleasurable and practical. It should also help you make and sustain healthy eating habits," she adds. "The Baby Food Diet just doesn't cut it here!"

9

You could lose up to 24 pounds in two weeks by eating boiled eggsall day longclaim followers of this restrictive diet. "This is another diet that cuts out a lot of food groups and restricts your food choices to, well, mostly eggs," points out Nieves. While following this diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and high in protein, can help you shed excess pounds, the results are basically short term. "Many people have trouble sticking with this diet, mostly due to taste boredom," she explains. She also points out that it is not a dietary plan to be followed by individuals with diabetes, cholesterol problems, or heart issues.

10

Eating like a caveman is so B.C.or at least it should be, according to Heather Campbell, MS, RDN, LD, consultant dietitian. "Any diet that requires complete omission or serious restriction of entire food groups like carbohydrates or dairy can be problematic and create opportunities for nutrition deficiencies," she explains. "When your body isn't properly fueled with a balance of all of the needed nutrients, then it will be impossible to create sustainable changes you're looking for." While Keto may lead to initial results, she points out that it's not creating a lifestyle you can continue into the future, "then you're less likely to see permanent positive change in your health."

11

What do you get when you take the trendy caveman-style Paleo diet and remove almost everything that involves animal products? One of the worst diets of the year, according to health experts. This super restrictive diet only allows things like fruit, nuts, vegetables, seeds, and limited legumes. While it bands all dairy products, you are allowed to eat a tad of meat, so there's that at least. But in general, the super restrictive eating method is difficult to sustain.

RELATED: 11 Symptoms of COVID You Never Want to Get

12

If a diet seems too good to be true, it probably is! "Many fad diets don't have peer-reviewed science to back them up at all, like avoiding acidic foods for the Alkaline Diet, or using supplements or drinks to remove toxins from the body," explains Campbell, who points out that people with healthy and functioning organ systems, have an adequate detoxification system already built in. "One way to support your body's natural ability to remove toxins is to focus on healthy habits like drinking enough water, making half of every plate fruits and vegetables, and eating adequate sources of lean protein."

13

The best diet is one that emphasizes lean proteins, healthy fats and belly-filling fibers. The best new titles on the market that promote just that are: Sugar Free 3, during which you can eat all you want while giving up added sugars for just three weeks; The Goodful Cookbook, featuring simple and balanced recipes; and How Not to Diet, which speaks for itself. As for yourself: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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12 Diets You Should Never Try, According to Health Experts - Yahoo Lifestyle

Dive Brief:

As the pandemic grinds on, with COVID-19 cases again climbing, Diet Coke is looking to reward people who are striving through an exhausting situation. The sweepstakes allows fans and followers to spotlight everyday people who they view as heroes of the health crisis, including those directly combating the virus or helping to keep families and students engaged.

To enter an everyday boss for a chance to win free soda for a year, users can visit the contest website, enter their nominee's name and contact information and write a short blurb on why they think their hero is worthy. The pay-it-forward aspect to the campaign could resonate at a time when many consumers remain physically distanced and are hungry for a sense of community. It also mirrors promotions from Coke's competitors. Last year around the holidays, chief rival Pepsi ran a mobile-focused campaign that let participants dole out cash rewards to friends and loved ones as part of their seasonal gift-giving.

Diet Coke continues to build on "Drink it Up," which launched near the start of the year, before the virus started to shut down operations in the U.S. A big piece of the brand's 2020 platform is showing support for unappreciated people, including mothers, with video spots centered on the subject.

Coca-Cola froze much of its marketing spend at the outset of the health crisis, but the sweepstakes represents the type of mobile- and digital-oriented outreach the company could be putting a bigger focus on as it ramps investments back up heading into the key fourth quarter and holiday sales period. Coke could also be looking to fortify its core brands as niche beverage offerings struggle during the pandemic.

The marketer is realigning its portfolio in significant ways, and will sunset Tab, the beverage first made famous in the 1970s, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. After losing the mainstream appeal of its heyday, Coke's first diet cola offering still commanded a loyal following, but has become another victim of the health crisis.

Coke enacted a broad corporate restructuring in August, culling its total business units from 17 down to nine. It also plans to cut its body of 500 brands by more than half to center focus on the labels that can best meet the demands of a fast-changing pandemic market.

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Diet Coke lets people reward unsung pandemic heroes with a year of free soda - Marketing Dive