A new study from the American College of Cardiology has found that the popular ketogenic or "keto" diet may contribute to higher levels of "bad cholesterol" and a twofold increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

“Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol— or “bad” cholesterol—and a higher risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Iulia Iatan, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and attending physician-scientist at the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic in St. Paul’s Hospital.

“To our knowledge, our study is one of the first to examine the association between this type of dietary pattern and cardiovascular outcomes.”

The study points out that depriving the body of carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, and rice forces the body to break down fat for energy instead. This breakdown produces ketones in the liver, hence the name keto. Advocates for this type of diet suggest obtaining 60 to 80 percent of calories from fat. 

By comparing this low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet with a more standard diet, the study found that it elevated levels of LDL cholesterol in some people, which is known to elevate the risk of heart disease. 

Before starting this dietary pattern, they should consult a healthcare provider," Iatan said. "While on the diet, it is recommended they have their cholesterol levels monitored and should try to address other risk factors for heart disease or stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and smoking.”

Share:
More In Science
Upward Farms Aims to Reconnect Consumers with Locally-Grown Food
Upward Farms is an indoor vertical farming company on a mission to heal our broken food system and reconnect consumers with organic locally-grown food. The Brooklyn-based company uses its controlled environment farms to grow organic leafy greens, which are sold at whole foods markets in New York City. Upward Farms co-founder and CEO Jason Green joined Cheddar Climate to discuss.
Electric Companies Join National Coalition to Build EV Charging Network
One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to widespread electric vehicle adoption is consumer hesitation about their ability to keep their EV charged if they take a longer trip outside of their locality. Now, electric companies nationwide are teaming up as part of a coalition to build out a network of EV charging stations spanning major U.S. travel corridors. Kellen Schefter, director of electric transportation at the Edison Electric Institute, joins Cheddar Climate to discuss the coalition's plans, how drivers can compare fueling up with gas to recharging an EV on a long trip, how the charging network will be funded, and more.
The Environmental Impact of Cannabis Farms
As more states begin to legalize recreational marijuana, there's a growing interest in legalizing cannabis cultivation. As the rise in cannabis farms expands across the U.S., more research is being done to examine its impact on the planet. Michael Katz, executive director at Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, joins Cheddar News to talk about the carbon footprint of cannabis farms.
Evaluating Blue Origin's Potential After Third Successful Manned Launch
Blue Origin launched its third manned mission over the weekend with 'Good Morning America' host Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard on board, alongside several Blue Origin investors. This comes after the spaceflight firm launched two successful missions to the edge of space earlier this year. How will these missions set up Blue Origin for success as it competes with SpaceX and other companies for space tourism domination and more? Joey Roulette, space reporter at The New York Times, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Astrazeneca COVID Antibody Treatment for the Immunocompromised Gets FDA Approval
Mina Makar, senior vice president of respiratory and immunology, Astrazeneca, joined Cheddar to discuss the FDA's decision to give emergency use authorization to the pharma giant's COVID-19 antibody treatment called Evusheld for immunocompromised patients For about 2 percent of the U.S. Makar noted that the injection is supposed to provide antibody protection for those who can't generate their own adequate immune response via the vaccines for a minimum of six months, though long-term trials are underway.
Salesforce Chief Medical Officer on Growing Need for C-Suite Healthcare Role
The pandemic has forced corporate America to reshape itself to adapt, including onboarding doctors as chief medical officers to help maintain the health and safety of staff. Dr. Geeta Nayyar, chief medical officer at Salesforce, joined Cheddar to break down her role and how it has become relevant and necessary in the evolving workplace. "Every business today is now in the business of healthcare," she said. "It is a priority to empower employees to then serve your customers."
Biden Boom, Jussie Guilty & Love, Hate, Ate
Carlo and Baker wrap up the week talking about the Biden economic boom that no one seems to notice, a verdict in the Jussie Smollett case, the first Starbucks union in America and the pleasures of the "dude nod."
Load More