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
UN Climate Report: Fossil Fuels are 'Choking Humanity'
In a nearly 3,700 page UN report, climate scientists outline the imminent dangers caused by climate change, saying fossil fuels are 'choking humanity.' The report calls some of the impacts of global warming 'irreversible,' warning of extreme consequences in the near future. Kristie L. Ebi, Professor of Global Health and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Fears of Potential for Climate Change Action Neglect Grow Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
World leaders are currently dealing with a handful of pressing issues, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic; but it could be argued that the most pressing issue is one that has experienced its fair share of neglect in the past -- climate change. As tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine, there is fear the focus on climate will once again be pushed aside. However, the White House appears to be making some effort to prevent that from happening. The White House Office of Science and Technology held a first-of-its-kind roundtable discussion with some of the nation's leading climate scientists on Thursday. Michael Mann, Director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, and author of the book 'The New Climate War' joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as one of the climate scientists at the White House event.
NASA Veteran on New Telescope Program Looking at First Galaxies to Form in Universe
On December 25, 2021, NASA got into the holiday spirit by launching the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest and most powerful space science observatory in history. It is intended to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope as NASA's flagship mission in astrophysics and is able to view objects too old and distant for Hubble. Gregory Robinson, director of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope program, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the mission. "I think a lot of what we don't know today is what I'm expecting to find and certainly really understand what took place more than 13.5 billion years ago and see the formation of some of the first galaxies in our universe," said Robinson.
Leafly CEO on Big 2021 Cannabis Jobs Growth, Looking Ahead to NJ, NY Adult Use
Even amid the Great Resignation, the cannabis industry saw major job growth. As of January 2022, the legal industry supported more than 428,000 jobs — a 33 percent increase year-over-year, according to the sixth annual jobs report from Leafly, a website focused on cannabis use and education. Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss. “You know we've got big moments coming ahead in New Jersey and New York with adult-use sales starting in New Jersey, hopefully by this fall, with New York quickly to follow," she said. "So we're hugely optimistic about the kind of job growth that those markets can drive with the right type of market setup.
Load More