Fat and ketones are part of our metabolism. The metabolism is the whole of (bio-chemical) processes in your cells that ensure that you stay alive. An important part of this is the production, transport and use of energy.
This is a continuous process in which energy is put in on the one hand and energy is released on the other. The incoming energy comes from carbohydrates, proteins and / or fats, but also from waste materials such as dead cells and tissues. It is a kind of vicious circle where substances in your body are constantly being converted from one form to another and back again. Atoms, or groups of atoms, can separate from a molecule. They can also attach themselves to other atoms or groups of atoms. In this way molecules disappear and new ones are created. Compare it to a lego structure that represents a molecule of a certain type. You can break it down into loose stones (the atoms). But you can also partially demolish it and then merge part of your structure with other stones. This way you build a new type of molecule. Three types of molecules are involved in fat metabolism: ADP, P and ATP molecules. ATP molecules can be formed by adding energy to the ADP and P molecules present. An ATP molecule, as it were, retains the energy and can be transported from the mitochondria to the place in the cell where the energy is needed. Upon arrival, the ATP molecules split into ADP and P molecules, releasing energy again. And then the game can start again. Ketones; energy for the brain Even the brain cannot burn fatty acids. This is because fatty acids cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier , because they are not water-soluble. They can burn glucose, but a lot is needed. The brain is in fact real energy guzzlers. If there is not much glucose present (eg because you eat low carbohydrate), your body still has an alternative. And now the ketones come into play. Your body can also make ketones from fatty acids. They are water-soluble and can therefore pass through the blood-brain barrier. They then form the energy for our brains. Ketones are formed in the liver. There are 3 types of ketones, namely acetoacetate (AcAc), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and acetone. To begin with, the liver breaks down fatty acids and acetoacetate (AcAc) is formed. AcAc can be used for energy or it can be converted to beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB). Very strictly speaking, BHB is not a ketone because of its molecular structure. But it is usually called a ketone. The third type of ketone is acetone. This occurs when carbon dioxide is split off from AcAc. Acetone can in principle be used to produce glucose, but is generally excreted via the breath or urine. This gives the characteristic 'fruity breath' that you can suffer from, especially in the beginning, during ketosis. Incidentally, the ketones are not only used by your brain. Almost all organs can use ketones as energy. Again, red blood cells are an exception because they do not contain mitochondria to metabolize the ketones. The liver itself cannot use ketones for its energy. The body receives a huge boost from ketones. Studies have shown that the brain and also the heart work 70% more efficiently on ketones than on glucose. A ketogenic state promotes a sharp mind and emotional balance. It is also a cleaner form of combustion, with much less free radicals being formed. This is good for the skin, among other things. It also improves sensitivity to the hormones leptin (which regulates satiety signals) and insulin. Ketones also cause the production of additional mitochondria in the cells. And the more mitochondria, the better. There are many other health benefits associated with a ketogenic 'diet'. See also the previous blogs ' Low-carbohydrate and high-fat food as a lifestyle 'and ' Everything about the ketogenic diet' .
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