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What Is the Keto Diet?
Macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
They provide calories and energy and make up the greatest amount of nutrients people consume.
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Macronutrients on Keto
A typical keto diet contains:
Does the Keto Diet Work?
What Is Cholesterol?
It helps your body build cell membranes, vitamin D, and hormones.
However, too much cholesterol can lead to heart health problems.
Studies showed mixed results on LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, with some demonstrating an increase.
Below is a summary of some of the research studies.
At its conclusion, the study showed both diets resulted in significant weight loss.
Additionally, the study showed decreased body weight and blood pressure.
Twelve people participated in the study involving the high-intensity, interval-training workout.
In contrast, LDL cholesterol increased nearly 35% in those following the keto diet along with CrossFit.
Another review of studies in 2016 comparing low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets yielded similar results.
In comparison, increased HDL cholesterol was related to a higher intake of monounsaturated fat.
Lower saturated fat intake was marginally related to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Additionally, increased triglyceride levels were associated with higher intakes of carbohydrates.
There was also a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
However, this diet may have no significant effector it may even increaseLDL cholesterol levels.
Keep in mind that BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
Choosing non-starchyfruitsand vegetables like avocados, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and spinach can help.
A ketogenic diet could increase LDL cholesterol levels in some people at high risk for heart attack and stroke.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is marked by very high LDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of premature heart disease.
People who have this inherited genetic condition should avoid the keto diet.
This can improve your heart health, decreasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
There are no specific guidelines for how muchsodiumand cholesterol should be consumed while following a ketogenic diet.
Summary
The ketogenic diet is very low in carbohydrates and high in fat.
How this affects HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and heart health is under investigation.
Studies on the connection generally have been short-term and have reached a variety of conclusions.
Genetics may also play a role in how the ketogenic diet influences cholesterol levels in an individual.
2019;13(5):689-711.e1.
2011;10:112. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-112
American Heart Association.Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
