ZOE Science & Nutrition The keto diet uncovered: The truth about fat vs. carbs
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Jan 19, 2024 
In this episode, Christopher Gardner, a Professor of Medicine at Stanford and Director of Nutrition Studies, delves into the keto diet's popularity and complexities. He explains the science behind shifting from carbs to fat and the benefits, such as improved insulin production and weight loss. However, he also highlights the downsides, including nutrient deficiencies and the notorious 'keto flu.' The conversation emphasizes the challenges of long-term adherence and the importance of a balanced diet for overall health.
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Keto Diet Basics
- The keto diet severely restricts carbohydrates, replacing them with fats.
- This forces the body to switch from burning carbs to burning fat for energy.
Body's Response to Keto
- Switching to a keto diet shocks the body, especially the brain.
- The brain prefers glucose and struggles to adapt to ketones from fat breakdown.
Theoretical Keto Benefits
- A theoretical benefit of keto is reduced insulin production due to low carb intake.
- Insulin, a storage hormone, stores carbs as fat, so reducing it might promote fat burning.