Does Keto Help in Better Brain Functioning?

Does Keto Help in Better Brain Functioning?

A ketogenic diet is an art of eating in which your body gets into a metabolic state called ketosis. Re-discovered in the 1920s, its benefits were utilized to treat brain related diseases like Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more.

I too lost my aunt to Alzheimer’s. Enough condolences to me, let us get back to this question. Keto was devised as the best strategy to curb these problems, so it is safe to say that being on a ketogenic diet will lead to better functioning brain.

When ketones enter the brain, they transform into a long chain of PUFAs (Polyunsaturated fatty acids). It also augments autophagy whereby old cells are replaced by new ones. Along with anti-ageing properties (stalk me on my personal Instagram, scroll down and do not forget to like my pictures), it kicks in mental clarity.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the main source of energy for a living cell. According to molecular biochemistry, conversion of ketones to ATP occurs at a higher rate than glucose. Since ketones cannot be stored in the body unlike glucose (which is stored in liver and muscles as glycogen), an individual on ketogenic diet has more ATP production and therefore feels more active and energised.

Surprised? Apart from the difference on the scale and inches, a holistic keto approach has many far-reaching benefits for your health.

You might also be surprised to know that ketones increase the regulation of BDNF (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) which improves Neuroplasticity, that is the ability of the brain to re-wire and rebuild itself, and therefore provide better mental clarity.

So why do most people follow a glucose-based diet, you may ask? Well, social conditioning is a place where all new things are shrouded in mystery.

It surely is reassuring to know about all sorts of chemical reactions that are striving to optimize our mind. However, that does not mean that we can sit back and relax.

Our mind can function well if we feed it with positivity, and ghee, off course. Weight loss can be a rocky path to walk on and it falls upon you to ensure your soul (pun-intended) that it is comfortable.