The keto diet, commonly referred to as the ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has become more well-known in recent years due to its potential for helping people lose weight and maintain healthy metabolisms. Yet, given that cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the major causes of death worldwide, questions have been raised about the impact of a high-fat diet on heart health. In this article, we’ll analyse the research supporting the ketogenic diet’s possible significance in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and explore the Connection Between Keto Diet And Heart Health.
What is the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that is intended to induce ketosis in the body. In the metabolic state of ketosis, ketone bodies replace glucose as the body’s main energy source. The ketogenic diet places a focus on eating high-fat foods including meat, fish, cheese, nuts, and oils while restricting carbohydrate intake to fewer than 50 grammes per day.
The ketogenic diet has been more well-known in recent years due to its potential for aiding in weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and the treatment of certain neurological conditions including epilepsy. Thoughts have been expressed regarding the potential negative effects of a Keto Diet And Heart Health.
What is Cardiovascular Disease and its Risk Factors?
Heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and other illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels are all referred to as having cardiovascular disease (CVD) under this umbrella term. According to the World Health Organization, CVD accounts for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually, making it the leading cause of death worldwide.
There are a number of risk factors for CVD, including:
- Age: As we get older, our chance of acquiring CVD rises.
- Gender: Males are more likely than women to get CVD.
- Family history: Your risk may increase if you have a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels and increases the risk of developing CVD.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure raises the risk of CVD and can harm blood vessels.
- High cholesterol: The risk of CVD can rise when the blood cholesterol level is high.
- Diabetes: Those who have diabetes have an increased chance of getting CVD.
- Obesity: Overweight or obese status can raise CVD risk.
- Physical inactivity: Skipping workouts can raise your risk of CVD.
People can lower their chance of getting CVD by addressing these risk factors through lifestyle changes such stopping smoking, exercising frequently, and eating a balanced diet.
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Keto Diet and heart health: the evidence
The evidence is conflicting and the link between the Keto Diet And Heart Health is complicated. While other research have expressed concerns about the keto diet’s possible drawbacks, some studies have revealed that the keto diet may have positive benefits on specific cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Beneficial effects of the ketogenic diet on heart health
The ketogenic diet’s potential to aid in weight loss is one of its key advantages. Losing weight can help lower the risk of getting heart disease because obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, were found to be more successful for weight loss than low-fat diets over a period of six months to two years by a meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies (1).
The ketogenic diet may also reduce cardiovascular risk factors in addition to causing weight loss. A six-month ketogenic diet, for instance, was found to significantly lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol levels in a small trial of obese adults with metabolic syndrome (2). In a another study, overweight or obese males who followed a 12-week ketogenic diet showed increased insulin sensitivity and lower levels of inflammatory markers (3).
Negative effects of the keto diet on heart health
Despite these possible advantages, questions have been raised regarding the keto diet’s potential detrimental effects on heart health. One of the key issues is that a diet heavy in saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol levels, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the link between saturated fat consumption and LDL cholesterol is complicated and varies based on personal characteristics including heredity and dietary habits in general (4).
The ketogenic diet significantly raised LDL cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets, but it also raised HDL cholesterol levels and reduced triglyceride levels, according to a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (5). Another study discovered that the large, fluffy particles, which are thought to be less dangerous than the small, dense ones and are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, were where LDL cholesterol climbed the most (6).
Overall, the information surrounding the ketogenic diet’s impact on heart health is conflicting, and further study is required to properly comprehend both its potential hazards and advantages.
Can the keto diet reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?
It is unknown whether the ketogenic diet can successfully lower the risk of cardiovascular disease given the complicated interaction between the Keto Diet And Heart Health. Yet, recent research has indicated that certain people with cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from the diet.
For instance, a small study of individuals with heart failure discovered that a ketogenic diet improved several indicators of heart function, such as left ventricular ejection fraction, a gauge of the heart’s capacity to pump blood (7). A 12-week ketogenic diet decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators in type 2 diabetic individuals, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to another study (8).
To properly comprehend the possible advantages and disadvantages of the ketogenic diet for cardiovascular health, it is necessary to keep in mind that these studies are limited and that additional study is required.
Conclusion
The ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, has grown in popularity in recent years due to its potential for helping people lose weight and maintain healthy metabolisms. Thoughts have been expressed regarding the potential negative effects of a Keto Diet And Heart Health.
Further research is required to properly understand the possible hazards and benefits of the ketogenic diet due to the conflicting findings regarding its effects on heart health. It is unclear whether the diet can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, even though it may have benefits for some people with cardiovascular risk factors.
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FAQs
- Can the ketogenic diet increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?
The evidence is conflicting and the link between the Keto Diet And Heart Health is complicated. While other research have expressed concerns about the keto diet’s possible drawbacks, some studies have revealed that the keto diet may have positive benefits on specific cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- Can the ketogenic diet reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?
Further research is required to properly understand the ketogenic diet’s possible hazards and advantages, even though some studies have suggested that it might be advantageous for some people with cardiovascular risk factors. The effectiveness of the diet in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease is unclear.
- Does the ketogenic diet increase cholesterol levels?
Studies have demonstrated that while the ketogenic diet can raise LDL cholesterol levels, it also raises HDL cholesterol levels and lowers triglyceride levels. Depending on specific factors, the overall effects on cholesterol levels may differ.
- Is the ketogenic diet safe for everyone?
Not everyone should follow the ketogenic diet, especially if they have specific illnesses like pancreatic or liver disease. To ascertain whether the diet is suitable for their particular needs and goals, people who are thinking about it should speak with a healthcare practitioner.
- What are some potential risks of the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet could have drawbacks such nutrient deficits, constipation, and a higher risk of kidney stones. Prioritizing a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes a range of whole foods is crucial. It’s also crucial to keep an eye out for any possible side effects when following the diet.