The Keto Diet: Myths and Realities Explained by Experts

The ketogenic (keto) diet has gained immense popularity, but misconceptions about it persist. Samara Mahindra, founder of Carer, and Karishma Boolani, sport scientist and founder of Humanics, break down what keto truly is, and what it isn’t.

What is the Keto Diet?

Karishma explains, "Ketosis is a state where your body primarily uses fat as fuel instead of glucose." The diet involves reducing carbs to lower insulin levels, forcing the body to burn stored fat. However, she clarifies,

"Ketosis isn’t about eating excessive meat or protein—it’s about smart fat intake while keeping carbs minimal."

Common Misconceptions

Samara highlights a major misunderstanding: "People think keto is a quick weight-loss hack or a cancer cure. But it’s not frivolous, it requires careful nutrition." Many mistake keto for a high-protein diet, but Karishma warns, "Excess protein can convert to glucose, defeating the purpose."

"You can’t just cut carbs cold turkey. Initially, increasing healthy fats helps transition the body." Over time, the goal is metabolic flexibility, using both fats and carbs efficiently.

Keto for Health, Not Just Weight Loss

Samara shares, "In diabetes and metabolic syndrome cases, keto can show dramatic improvements in just 72 hours." But she stresses, "It’s not magic—it’s about removing sugar and refining nutritional choices."

The keto diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. As Karishma says, "Ketosis is a tool to reset metabolism, not a lifelong high-fat binge." Proper guidance and balanced nutrition are key to reaping its benefits.