One of the common weight loss diets followed by many people is the ketogenic “keto” diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat. This type of eating puts the body into ketosis, where the body uses fat for fuel. It usually involves increasing the consumption of animal products and decreasing or cutting out fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This diet is also very low in fiber.
A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has found that for most people, the risks associated with following a keto diet outweigh the benefits. While it can help you lose weight, and also provide a short-term reduction in blood glucose levels, it also increases your risk of heart disease, increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, kidney disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and birth defects when pregnant mothers follow keto. The very foods that are emphasized in keto diets are the ones that increase the risk of disease, while whole, plant-based diets decrease the disease risk.
