I asked a guest writer to write this piece on Ketones, as I know so little about this topic!
Ketones are produced when your body cannot use glucose (sugar) for fuel. When this happens, your body turns fat into ketones and sends them into your bloodstream. Ketones also help protect your cells from the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species and free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and disease.
Improved Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet healthy lifestyle changes can prevent it. This includes eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and Pruvit 10 day challenge. Ketones are a type of fuel that can be used by your body to energize your heart. The oxidation of ketones yields more ATP per gram than glucose, which makes them a more efficient energy source for the soul. Research suggests ketone bodies may reduce inflammation in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increase cardiac mitochondrial capacity. They also appear to protect against lethal mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Increased Energy
Ketosis is a natural process that occurs in many people without being harmful. During periods of carb restriction, your body will use ketones to provide energy instead of glucose. The main benefit of using ketones for energy is that they provide extra energy for physical performance. Research suggests that ketone bodies can increase intramuscular fuel reserves during exercise, which may lead to better performance in high-intensity workouts. Ketones are also thought to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can harm your overall health. They also have neuroprotective effects, such as reducing cell damage and improving brain function.
Weight Loss
Ketones are produced in the liver when the body is in ketosis, a natural process that helps the body burn fat for fuel. The primary ketones produced are acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate, both used as energy by the body and brain. Ketones have also been shown to help with weight loss by reducing hunger, lowering insulin, and altering ghrelin. They can also increase satiety and decrease appetite for sweet foods or drinks while you are fasting.
Enhanced Brain Function
Ketones are derived from the liver, released into your bloodstream, taken up by the brain and other organs, shuttled into mitochondria (called “energy factories”), and used as fuel. Unlike glucose, which provides a limited amount of energy per unit of oxygen consumed, ketones offer an optimum energy substrate that meets the needs of neurons regardless of their glucose status. This is especially important for a brain that demands so much energy. Ketones have also been shown to improve BDNF levels, a protein that stimulates neuron communication. This increases your mental capacity and allows you to learn and retain it longer.
Better Sleep
Ketones are water-soluble molecules formed from fatty acids within the body when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin to convert glucose into energy. Many scientific studies have been conducted on the topic, and many have found that ketones can positively affect your overall health. One of the most surprising results has been the sleep quality improvement associated with a high-fat, low-carb diet. A recent study suggests a well-designed nutritional ketosis diet snags you the best night’s sleep.