š§ Low-Carb, Clear Mind? What a Keto Diet Could Mean for Brain Health
We all know eating low carb can help with things like weight loss, steady energy, and even blood sugar balanceābut what if it could also help protect your brain?
A fascinating study out of UC Davis recently found that a ketogenic dietāthatās the low-carb, high-fat oneāmay delay memory loss linked to Alzheimerās disease. Yep, you read that right. Your food choices today could actually influence your brain health down the track.
𧬠Whatās the big deal?
In the UC Davis study, researchers looked at mice that were genetically prone to develop Alzheimerās-like symptoms. When those mice were fed a ketogenic diet, they showed significant delays in early memory decline compared to those on a standard diet.
The star of the show? A molecule called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). This is a ketone your body produces when youāre in ketosis (thatās what happens on a low-carb diet). BHB acts like a super fuel for your braināhelping with energy, reducing inflammation, and protecting brain cells. Scientists believe it may play a key role in preventing the kind of memory decline we see in Alzheimerās.
But what about humans?
Great question! Itās not just about mouse studiesāthere are human trials too, and the results are pretty exciting.
One study from New Zealand involved a group of people with Alzheimerās disease who followed a modified ketogenic diet for 12 weeks. The results? They experienced better daily functioning and improved quality of life. While the cognitive boost was modest, it was clear that the diet was not only safe and well-tolerated, but showed real potential to support brain health in people already facing cognitive challenges.
So, itās not just hypeāthereās real science backing the link between low-carb living and sharper thinking.
The Qetoe takeaway?
If youāre already enjoying your Qetoe low-carb staplesālike our noodles, rice, or pastaāyouāre not just making a delicious choice, you might also be doing something amazing for your brain.
And if you're new here, this might be your sign to give low carb a go. No extremes, no pressureājust tasty, feel-good food that works with your body. Thatās the Qetoe way.
š§” Hereās to good food, clear minds, and a brighter, sharper future.
References
-
UC Davis Health. (2024, March). Keto diet prevents early memory decline in mice. University of California, Davis. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/keto-diet-prevents-early-memory-decline-in-mice/2024/03
-
Krikorian, R., et al. (2023). A randomized crossover trial of a modified ketogenic diet in Alzheimerās disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. Retrieved from https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.13178