Ketogenic diet may increase memory and increase lifespan, according to the latest study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and UC Davis.
The ketogenic diet – often called keto – soared in poularity recently.
It consists of a very low-carb and high-fat diet, similar to Atkins and other low-carb diets.
Because of the reduction in carbs, your metabolism goes into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbs and sugars.
Two new independent studies now show that the ketogenic diet may increase memory and increase lifespan.
The first study – led by Drs. Eric Verdin and John Newman, both from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA – looked at the effect of the keto diet on aging mice.
The second study – led by Dr. Jon Ramsey, from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, had similar findings to the first study. The study also found that the diet may improve strength and coordination.
Both studies tested the effects of four diets: ketogenic, low carbohydrate, high fat, or control – in mice.
The scientists used physical tasks to test cognitive skills and physical strength as they aged.
Medical News Today reported:
The Buck Institute team found that a keto diet fed to mice on a cyclical basis – that is, alternated with the control diet – prevented obesity, reduced mid-life mortality, and prevented memory loss.
“The older mice on the ketogenic diet had a better memory than the younger mice. That’s really remarkable,” says Dr. Verdin.
Both of the studies showing that the ketogenic diet may increase memory and increase lifespan were published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
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1. “Eat Fat, Live Longer?” UC Davis, UC Davis, 5 Sept. 2017, http://www.ucdavis.edu/news/eat-fat-live-longer.
2. “A Ketogenic Diet Extends Longevity and Healthspan in Adult Mice.” Cell Metabolism, Cell Metabolism, 5 Sept. 2017, http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(17)30490-4.
3. “Keto Diet May Increase Memory, Reduce Mortality.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 5 Sept. 2017, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319287.php.
4. “The Ketogenic Diet 101: A Detailed Beginner’s Guide.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 June 2017, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101.
