Study: Keto Diet May Slow the Aging Process

“Live long and prosper.” That’s Spock’s calling card in the popular TV and movie series Star Trek. And while we don’t have any other-world powers, it may be possible to live longer, based on your diet.

In a recent study at the Gladstone Institute in San Francisco, Calif, researchers wanted to find out if the popular Keto Diet could have an impact on health and longevity.

What’s the Keto Diet?

It’s an eating plan based on consuming lean meats, fish, vegetables, dairy, eggs, some fruit, and plenty of healthy fats. It’s primarily a diet based on eating whole foods, but low in carbohydrates.

So what did researchers find when they tested the impact of the Keto Diet on aging in a lab controlled environment?

Researchers found that when carbohydrates stores are low, the body is forced to burn fat for energy. It’s a proven dietary approach to promote fat loss. But researchers discovered other impacts of the Keto Diet, such as:

• The release of the chemical β-hydroxybutyrate that protects cells from internal damage or stress
• A chemical response that blocks an enzyme linked to aging
• Researchers specifically pointed out the potential for the Keto Diet to help slow, prevent, or treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and traumatic brain injuries.

The Keto Diet Challenge

Perhaps the biggest challenge of the Keto Diet is that it’s restrictive in nature. Most people find it hard to avoid carbs for long periods of time. But it’s clear that this way of eating does offer some important health benefits beyond weight loss.

Healthy Foods on a Low-Carb Diet?

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy, tasty, and delicious foods you can enjoy on the Keto Diet or similar Low-Carb Diet like Sliced Beef Brisket, Eggplant Parmigiana, Salmon Caponata with Orzo and Spinach, and many others on the Low-Carb menu.