We’ve known for a while that good fats are a key component of a healthy diet, but new research is now suggesting that fat can be amazing brain food too. Scientists are discovering that the carb-light, fat-heavy ketogenic diet could improve brain function in people with Alzheimer’s, and may even help reduce the risk of getting it at all. So how exactly can you switch to keto, and how does it fuel your brain?
What is keto?
The ketogenic diet focuses on using fat for energy rather than carbs. Your metabolism enters a state of ketosis, where it becomes very efficient at burning fat to supply you with energy.
How does it help the brain?
Your brain typically uses glucose for fuel, which is something you don’t consume a lot of on the keto diet. When less carbs are being converted into glucose for energy, the brain can switch to ketones for fuel instead. As we age, our sugar-metabolic processes can slow down, and regions in the brain important for memory and learning can lose their ability to take in glucose. Some scientists have found that providing the brain with an additional or alternate fuel source – ketones – can produce extra energy for those key mental processes.
Read more on the study here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6021549/
https://alzres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13195-021-00783-x
How can I make the switch?
It’s important to keep your body fuelled with everything it needs on the keto diet, and it’s always a good idea to get information from your doctor or nutritionist to make sure a diet is right for you. If you’ve ticked all the boxes and you’re ready to give the keto lifestyle a try, Fitfood’s menu of delicious keto meals are ready to eat and design to hit all the necessary nutrient profiles. We’re making it super easy to go keto and power your brain with something different. Check out our Za’atar Spiced Fish Pie, Lamb Moussaka, or Cauliflower and Halloumi Fritters on for size, and we’ve also got some glorious Fat Bombs for a keto-friendly treat.
