Which food component is primarily consumed in a ketogenic diet?

In a ketogenic diet, the primary focus is on significantly increasing the intake of fats while drastically reducing carbohydrates. This dietary approach is designed to shift the body's metabolism from relying on glucose, derived largely from carbohydrates, to utilizing fat as the primary source of energy. When carbohydrates are limited, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it produces ketones from fats, which then become the main fuel source.

Fats, therefore, are the cornerstone of a ketogenic diet, comprising the majority of calorie intake, typically around 70-80% of total daily calories. This shift in macronutrient distribution aims to promote fat loss, improve metabolic health, and has been used therapeutically for various medical conditions.

In contrast, carbohydrates are minimized in this diet, leading to a notable lower consumption of sugars and other carb-rich foods. While proteins do play a role, they are generally consumed in moderate amounts compared to fats. This unique balance of macronutrients is what defines the ketogenic approach, making fats the primary component that is consumed.