The ketogenic diet is noted for its neuroprotective effects in people with refractory epilepsy, GLUT-1 transporter deficiency, and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency. However, most keto dieters are simply looking to lose weight and shed fat. The keto diet's benefits are (6, 7):
Lowering the frequency and duration of seizures in people with refractory epilepsy (epilepsy which doesn't respond to medications), especially children and adolescents (2, 6).
Alleviates symptoms of pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and GLUT-1 transporter deficiency (2, 6).
Promotes weight loss by reducing body fat. Keto diets stimulate fat oxidation, or "burning", for the body to produce energy. Simultaneously, it inhibits body fat synthesis. Plus, ketonic bodies suppress appetite, helping reduce your caloric intake (7).
May slow tumor growth, since tumor cells may not have the capacity to use ketonic bodies that normal cells have. However, results on this are still not conclusive. Further research is needed on keto diets' possible cancer-related benefits (2, 7).
Promotes healthy metabolism. The keto diet is associated with improved sensitivity to insulin and better blood sugar control. It's also related to reduced levels of lipids (cholesterol and tryglycerides) in the bloodstream, as well as reduced inflammation (8).
May prevent neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (2, 7).