The new study surprised scientists.
The ketogenic diet has become a popular way to shed unwanted pounds. However, recent research has shown that it can also help the body fight the flu.
For the experiment, scientists at Yale University divided mice infected with the influenza virus into two groups. One was fed low-carb foods and high-fat foods, and the other was given high-carb meals. As a result, the first group showed a higher survival rate.
The team found that the ketogenic diet, or keto for short, triggered the release of immune system cells that produce mucus in the cell lining of the lungs. These cells help to capture the virus at the initial stage, preventing its development in the body.
“This study shows that the way the body burns fat to make ketone bodies from the food we eat can fuel the immune system to fight flu infection,” scientists told Dailymail.
What is special about the keto diet?
By adding more fat to our diet and cutting back on carbohydrates, we put our bodies in ketosis, or carbohydrate starvation. In this case, the body begins to break down fat cells for energy.
This diet has a lot to do with the Atkins diet, as it also involves drastically cutting back on carbohydrates and replacing them with fats.
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Các sản phẩm từ sữa giàu chất béo
Các loại hạt và hạt giống
Avocado and berries
Dầu thực vật
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Grains, including rice and wheat
Sugar, honey and maple syrup
Hầu hết các loại trái cây
Plain and sweet potatoes