The benefits of collagen for keto diets

Modern physicians introduced the Ketogenic Diet (KD) as a treatment for epilepsy in the 1920s. Since then, it has evolved into a trusted weight-loss program.

What is a ketogenic diet? 

Ketogenic diets minimise carbohydrate intake and maximise protein intake to induce ketosis. The popularity of this diet is that it allows many people to eat the types of high-fat foods they enjoy, such as red meats, fatty fish, nuts, cheese, and butter, while still losing weight. But is this weight-loss regime effective?

According to research, it is. A Ketogenic Diet can help patients lose about 2 kg more than low-fat diets in 1 year. Researchers from Bethel University in Minnesota endorse this finding.

The researchers discovered that a Keto Diet is effective because it restricts carbs and causes the body to seek energy in stored fat, or ketone bodies, which breaks down through ketosis. The body then relies on ketones for energy until users start eating carbs again.

Its superior weight-loss results are at the fore of the benefits of a Keto Diet. 

The amazing benefits of keto:

•  It improves acne - Eating a diet high in processed and refined carbohydrates can adversely affect skin health. Thus, decreasing carb intake, as with a ketogenic diet, can reduce acne symptoms in some people.
• It may reduce the risk of certain cancers. The ketogenic diet may be a safe and suitable complementary treatment to use alongside chemotherapy and radiation therapy in people with certain cancers because it can cause more oxidative stress in cancer cells than in normal cells, causing them to die.
• It may improve heart health - A keto diet’s reducing effect on cholesterol may reduce a person’s risk of heart complications.
• It may protect brain function - The ketones generated during the keto diet provide neuroprotective benefits; they can strengthen and protect the brain and nerve cells.
• It may improve PCOS symptoms - A keto diet may be advantageous for people with hormonal disorders, including PCOS and type 2 diabetes.

However, there are significant risks and complications to the Keto Diet. Staying on the Ketogenic Diet for a long time can adversely affect your health. 

The associated health risks of following keto

1.     Excess protein in the blood.
2.     Mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
3.     A build-up of fat in the liver.
4.     Constipation.
5.     A low exercise tolerance.

The above risks are chiefly linked to the diet’s propensity to lead to nutrient deficiencies; one such nutrient is protein. Therefore, when comparing the ketogenic diet with other low-carb, high-protein diets, the protein amount in the Ketogenic Diet must be kept moderate because excessive protein intake can prevent ketosis, which is essential in a Keto Diet.

Thus, Collagen peptides are essential to a Keto Diet; people on a keto diet can increase their protein intake by consuming collagen peptides.

Collagen peptides are a more broken-down version of regular Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies. 

How collagen supports a keto diet

• Promotes Gut Health.

It helps us heal our gut and maintain gut health, which is essential for keeping us healthy because the intestinal barrier is the gatekeeper between our circulation and the food we consume.

• Improves Liver Health.

Glycine, which is 33% collagen residues, can help reduce alcohol-induced liver damage and other acute or chronic liver injuries.

• Ensures Heart Health.

Type I Collagen is in one of the three walls of your heart. Without Collagen, our myocardium would not have a rigid structural framework for forceful heartbeats.

•       Helping with Type 2 Diabetes and Other Metabolic Disorders.

Glycine supplementation reduces glycated haemoglobin (A1C), a risk factor associated with poor blood glucose management in patients with type 2 diabetes.

• Supports The Brain

Collagen VI helps the brain function properly and prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Keto diet statistics:

• 4 in 10 Americans follow a diet or specific eating pattern.
• 12.9 million Americans follow the keto diet each year.
• Scientific evidence suggests that the keto diet is effective for weight loss.
• 46% of keto followers cheat on the keto diet.
• The #1 reason for quitting the keto diet is its strictness.
• 70% of keto dieters don’t track their blood ketone levels.
• The global keto diet market size makes $10.22 billion a year.
• “Keto-friendly” product offerings are skyrocketing in retail and online.

Collagen has various health benefits and is a reliable source of protein. However, collagen supplements and protein supplements are not interchangeable because they are different products with different nutrition profiles, ingredients, and purposes. Deciding on either depends on the benefits you want.

Protein powders are reportedly better for people following a vegan diet or who want to gain muscle. However, for a comprehensive supplement, Collagen is a more viable option.

In addition, Collagen supplements are essential in a Ketogenic Diet as they allow a moderate intake of protein as required, while protein supplements would compromise the effectiveness of your Keto Diet.

Read these articles to find out more about the benefits of taking a collagen supplement: 

1. Which collagen supplement should you use? 
2. Active Collagen Supplement
3. Vibrance Collagen Supplement

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