The low-carb, high-fat “ketogenic” diet has gained online popularity in the last few years, with Google searches for “keto” peaking in 2019 and resurfacing again every January. You may have already heard of phrases like “ketosis” and “ketones” – but, far from a diet fad buzzword, ketone bodies play an essential role in your cellular health and complete wellbeing.
By replacing carbohydrates with fats, the body is forced to use fat for energy instead of glucose. This is known as the state of ketosis. It gets its name from ketone bodies, the molecules produced by your cells to provide energy in this state.
So, what are ketone bodies, and how are they used to power your cells?
How Your Mitochondria Power Your Cells
Usually, the organelles called mitochondria, which operate inside each of your cells, use glucose to convert and store energy for cellular respiration. When glucose is broken down, the energy released is stored in a molecular bond as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP then bonds with magnesium to become biologically active.
When other parts of the cell need energy, the molecular bond inside the magnesium-ATP complex is reversed and the energy is released once again.
However, glucose isn’t always readily available – and when it isn’t, your cells need a plan B.
Power Up Your Body & Mind
Improve Mood & Focus with MitoMAG
All-Natural, USA Made, Vegan Capsules
A Lesser-Known Alternative
Ketone bodies are produced by the liver by breaking down fatty acids. They are then transported to your cells, where they can be used up when there isn’t enough glucose available to convert and store energy the usual way. This can happen during times of high energy demand such as rigorous exercise, fasting, or low carb intake.
The mitochondria can use ketone bodies to make ATP, the same molecule yielded by glucose.
The three ketone bodies made in your liver are acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB can also be found in high protein foods like eggs and dairy milk, and is a popular dietary supplement for those looking to encourage ketosis.
The addition of BHB to your diet gives your cells more of the support they need to ‘make’ energy, which benefits their overall functioning and vitality.
