New study shows keto diet may have negative impact on heart health

Soniya
Keto diet may impact your heart health. (Image via Unsplash / Total Shape)
Keto diet may impact heart health. (Image via Unsplash/Total Shape)

The keto diet is a popular way to lose weight by eating more fat and fewer carbs. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, but scientists still don't know how effective it really is.

Now, a new study suggests that people who follow the keto diet have higher level of bad cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar —which could put them at risk for heart disease over time.


What is keto diet?

Ketogenic diet eliminates fat from your body. (Image via Unsplash/David B Townsend)
Ketogenic diet eliminates fat from your body. (Image via Unsplash/David B Townsend)

The ketogenic diet has been a popular way to lose weight by having more fat and fewer carbs. However, a new study shows that diet may have a negative impact on heart health.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate plan that aims to force the body into using fat for energy instead of carbs or protein.

The idea behind it is that when you eliminate carbs from your diet, the body burns through its own stored glucose (or glycogen) for energy instead of burning fat from food sources like butter or olive oil. Once those stores are used up, it turns to burning stored fat instead.

That can lead to rapid weight loss over time if you stick with it long enough. However, there are some potential side effects related to how this process works inside the body.


What does the new study entail?

Potential side effects include heart diseases, bad breath and constipation. (Image via Unsplash/Jesse Orrico)
Potential side effects include heart diseases, bad breath and constipation. (Image via Unsplash/Jesse Orrico)

The new study found that people who follow the keto diet have higher levels of bad cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar. The study compared the diets of several hundred people on a ketogenic diet with those on a regular diet for about a decade.

The research found that both groups had similar weight loss over time but those on a keto diet were more likely to experience side effects like bad breath and constipation.

Apart from the potential impact on heart health, the diet can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and can be difficult to maintain long-term.

It's important to note that not all fats are created equal, and the quality of the fats consumed on a keto diet may have an impact on its health effects.


While the keto diet may be effective for short-term weight loss, its long-term effects on heart health are still unclear.

Those considering the diet should consult a healthcare professional to weigh the potential risks and benefits and should prioritize consuming healthy fats while on the diet.

It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. A balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods is typically the best choice for overall health and wellness.