The keto diet plan is a low carb plan that many converts credit for their fast weight loss. The plan changes the metabolic function of the body, encouraging fat burning in particular. It seems one week is the best amount of time to follow the keto diet to maximise its affects.
Lead author Vishwa Deep Dixit of the Yale School of Medicine.
He said that the keto diet puts the body into a starvation state, which encourages the burning of fats for fuel.
This is where the keto diet gets its name, as this process creates ketones from fat to be used as fuel instead of carbohydrates.
However, by studying mice on the diet scientists found fat storage was happening simultaneously with the fat loss.
READ MORE: Keto weight loss: The best foods to burn fat on diet plan according to an expert
After one week, the mice were consuming more fat than they were burning due to the high fat nature of the diet.
Mr Dixit said: “Before such a diet can be prescribed, a large clinical trial in controlled conditions is necessary to understand the mechanism behind metabolic and immunological benefits or any potential harm to individuals who are overweight and pre-diabetic.”
The experts suggest following the diet for limited periods may be most effective.
Emily Goldberg, the postdoctoral fellow in comparative medicine, added: “Our findings highlight the interplay between metabolism and the immune system, and how it coordinates maintenance of healthy tissue function.”
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However, some expert nutritionists have expressed misgivings over the keto diet plan.
Nutritionist Hebe Mills, founder of Hebe Mills Nutrition, told Express.co.uk: “Be mindful of the high energy content in a number of foods recommended in the diet.
“Fat contains more calories than carbohydrate (which isn’t a bad thing in the slightest!) so it may be worth monitoring your energy intake if the purpose of the diet is for weight loss.”
She added: “Seek advice from a nutrition expert and your GP before starting the diet – the ketogenic diet eliminates carbohydrates, forcing the body to rely on fat as a source of fuel.
What snacks are in the keto diet plan to avoid sugar cravings?
Berries are a good snack on the plan to get a sweet fix.
Surprisingly, chocolate can be part of a ketogenic diet. However it is important to choose dark chocolate that contains a minimum of 70 percent cocoa solids.
While this may not be to everyone’s taste, cocoa powder can be used in baking to create ketogenic energy balls that can satisfy the sweet craving.