Is the Keto Diet Good for Your Heart?

Benefits of the Keto Diet:

• Improve HDL cholesterol levels – HDL cholesterol is considered “good cholesterol” because it stabilizes harmful cholesterol in your body, returning it to the liver. It also reduces your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes or certain types of cancers. 

• Lower LDL cholesterol levels – LDL cholesterol (or “bad cholesterol) levels typically decrease when following a Keto diet as a result of the increase in regulatory HDL cholesterol.

• Quick weight-loss – Because of the effect of Ketosis on fat cells, many people find they lose weight quickly when eating Keto. Dropping weight will lower your cholesterol and blood pressure – two large components of heart disease. 

Cons of the Keto Diet:

• Weight loss may come but not stay – The Ketogenic Diet is restrictive and unnatural for many people who may find it difficult to stick with this dietary change. Although it certainly yields weight loss results, once the diet is stopped, the pounds will likely return. 

• High fat isn’t necessarily good – While there are some healthy fats, following a Keto diet does not specify which fats you should be consuming. Choosing saturated fats, especially in such high content, will have a largely adverse effect on your heart and may even clog your arteries. 

The Best Diet for Your Heart:

• Leafy green vegetables. 
• Berries.
• Whole grains.
• Dark chocolate.
• Garlic. 
• Fatty fish/fish oil.
• Avocado. 
• Beans.
• Walnuts and almonds. 
• Green tea. 
• Tomatoes.  

Contact a Holistic integrative cardiologist for Treatment: