Keto Products: What Actually Works?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet. The aim is to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This metabolic state can be challenging to achieve and maintain, so some people turn to keto products to help them along.

Keto products are typically low-carb alternatives to common comfort foods, staples, and snacks. They include protein powders, mayonnaise, cheese bars, tortillas, noodles, soda, and cookies. However, the effectiveness of keto products is questionable, and there is a risk of contamination and scams.

Ultimately, experts do not recommend keto pills or any diet pills. The keto diet itself may not be suitable for everyone and can cause negative side effects, especially when starting out. It is always best to consult a doctor or dietitian before making any significant dietary changes.

Keto diet pills

Keto supplements typically contain two active ingredients: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). BHB is a ketone body produced by the liver from breaking down fats. MCTs are a type of fat found in coconut and palm oil that the body can use as energy during ketosis.

Theoretically, taking extra ketones through diet pills may help the body burn fat and lose weight. However, there is little evidence to support these claims. While some studies suggest that exogenous ketones can boost ketone levels in the blood, it is unclear whether this leads to weight loss.

Warnings and Recommendations

It is important to note that dietary supplements, including keto pills, are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means there is a chance that the contents of the bottle do not match the label, and they may even contain heavy metals or other contaminants. If you decide to try keto supplements, look for products tested and certified by third-party organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation and ConsumerLab.com.

Additionally, be cautious of misleading recommendations and scams. Keto pills are often marketed as a "quick fix" or "guaranteed results," which are usually red flags for false advertising. Remember that there are few shortcuts to healthy and sustainable weight loss, and using supplements may lead to losing more money than weight.

While keto diet pills claim to help you sustain ketosis and lose weight, there is insufficient evidence to support these claims. The jury is still out on whether these supplements are effective, and experts do not recommend their use. If you are considering the keto diet or keto supplements, it is essential to consult your doctor or a dietitian first.

Keto powders

• Perfect Keto Collagen Peptides Protein Powder with MCT Oil: This powder has only two net carbs per serving and contains 10g of collagen protein and 5g of pure MCT oil powder. It dissolves easily and can be mixed into any drink, hot or cold. It has a sweet, chocolate flavour and comes with a scoop for easy measuring.
• ZonePerfect Keto Powder: ZonePerfect's keto powder comes in individual serving packets, making it convenient for those on the go. It contains 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% total carbs. It blends into a creamy, filling, and satiating meal substitute with minimal carbs per serving. It is gluten-free, soy-free, and free of artificial sweeteners, flavours, and colours.
• Keyto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil: Keyto's powder is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle and is combined with MCT Oil powder from coconuts and essential electrolytes. In addition to providing an energy boost, collagen supplementation is associated with improved skin health, digestion, and the maintenance of joint and muscle health. It mixes well with any drink and has a sweet flavour.
• Keto Drive Exogenous Ketone Performance Complex: This powder contains a patented BHB complex to increase ketone levels in the blood, boost athletic endurance, enhance mental performance, and provide an energy boost without caffeine. It also includes vitamins and minerals and is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. However, some users find the flavour unpalatable.

Keto gummies

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb approach to weight loss that involves putting your body in a state of ketosis, where it uses ketones (a fatty acid) for energy instead of glucose. This can speed up your metabolism, increase muscle mass, and improve blood pressure. However, maintaining ketosis requires a restricted diet, limiting fruit, sugar, beans, and high-carb veggies.

Keto supplements, like keto gummies, claim to help keep your body in ketosis. Keto gummies are made with exogenous ketones, a term for ketones obtained from an external source. It's important to note that these supplements don't put your body into ketosis; they may help maintain it, but only if you're already in that state.

Ingredients in Keto Gummies

Potential Benefits and Risks of Keto Gummies

There is limited research on the long-term effects of keto gummies. Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony recommends discussing them with your doctor before use. Potential benefits may include:

• Increased weight loss
• Improved athletic performance
• Decreased appetite

However, research is inconclusive on whether keto gummies can effectively maintain ketosis. One study suggests that supplements may increase ketone levels too much, leading to a reduction in natural ketone production by the liver and making it harder to stay in ketosis.

Potential risks of keto gummies include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, especially if the gummies contain sorbitol, which has a laxative effect

Additionally, the keto diet and keto supplements can lower blood sugar, which may be dangerous for people with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney issues.

Should You Try Keto Gummies?

Before turning to keto gummies, Czerwony suggests evaluating your diet to ensure you're getting enough calories and fibre, as this may be a healthier option. If you're already following the keto diet and want to boost weight loss, keto gummies could be an option, but be sure to consult a healthcare provider first. Remember that keto gummies are an addition to your keto diet, not a replacement, and consistency is key to seeing potential benefits.

MCT oil

Lower Calorie Intake

Weight Loss and Fat Loss

Energy Source

Management of Neurological Conditions

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects

MCTs have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects, reducing the growth of yeast and bacteria. Coconut oil, which contains MCTs, has been found to reduce the growth of Candida albicans, a common yeast that can cause infections.

Management of Blood Sugar Levels

Some studies suggest that MCT oil may have benefits for people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as it can help reduce insulin resistance. However, other studies have shown conflicting results, so more research is needed to draw strong conclusions.

While MCT oil has potential benefits, it may also have some drawbacks. It may increase risk factors for heart disease, stimulate the release of hunger hormones, and lead to fat buildup in the liver when consumed in high doses. Therefore, it is important to consume MCT oil in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet.

Whey protein

When choosing a whey protein supplement for a keto diet, opt for products with no added sugars or those sweetened with stevia. Additionally, look for whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows. While whey protein is generally safe, those with milk allergies or intolerances should be cautious, as it may cause digestive issues or rashes. It is important to note that whey protein should not be the sole source of protein in your diet, as it may lead to micronutrient deficiencies.

Frequently asked questions