A year-long study by The Lundquist Institute has found no definitive link between high cholesterol and heart disease for those following the ketogenic diet – a surprising twist that challenges conventional medical wisdom.
Otherwise healthy participants who were on the keto diet for an average of five years showed no direct correlation with atherosclerosis. Instead, the study identified baseline plaque burden - not high cholesterol levels - as the strongest predictor of plaque progression. The findings suggest that elevated cholesterol may not be as harmful as previously believed.
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While there is evidence that the keto diet isn't for everyone, this latest research provides compelling support for its potential benefits in certain populations. It's important to note that are many other factors for heart disease that require individualized or targeted care.
Last year, Harvard Medical School published evidence that the keto diet may not be heart healthy for some, and it may actually "raise heart disease risk." However, a 2023 study from Siedlce University in Poland, published in Nutrients, highlighted several benefits of the keto diet for cardiovascular health, including improved blood pressure levels.
Another recent study found the keto diet may even reverse biological aging by up to six years for individuals with obesity. Still, researchers like Dr. Aaron Hengist from the Unviersity of Bath have warned that persistently elevated cholesterol levels, a possible outcome of the diet, could have long-term consequences like increased heart disease risk.
Heart disease remains America's leading cause of death with an alarming new fatality every 34 seconds. In addition to diet, living a health lifestyle with regular physical activity and proper sleep management are critically important.
The keto diet is centered around low carbohydrates and high fat, with moderate amounts of animal or plant-based protein, dairy, and non-starchy vegetables. It notably restricts most fruits, legumes, and whole grains due to their higher carbohydrate content. The diet has surged in popularity over the last decade with claims of rapid weight loss, but the debate continues over long term impact on heart health and disease risk.
Key Takeaways
- A year-long study by The Lundquist Institute found no definitive link between high cholesterol and heart disease for those on the keto diet.
- Baseline plaque levels, not cholesterol alone, were the strongest predictor of disease progression.
- The keto diet may offer benefits for some, but risks remain, especially with long-term cholesterol elevation. A personalized, holistic approach to heart health is essential.
