2.91 The Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet has very significant risks in regards to cardiovascular health. In this video/article were going to discuss the basics of the ketogenic diet and how the science shows that the risk of heart attack, stroke, and overall mortality is significantly increased with this eating pattern.
A very low carbohydrate diet restricting the percentage of calories from carbohydrates to 5 to 10% of total calories. Protein calories account for 20 to 25% of total calories. Fat calories account for 70 to 80% of total calories. This pattern is very high in dietary cholesterol and dietary saturated fat and most frequently is high in animal-based foods red meats and even processed meats.
Any food with significant carbohydrate content is eliminated. This includes unhealthy carbohydrates such as simple sugars and refined grains, but also includes even whole unprocessed carbohydrate foods such as fruits, many vegetables, whole grains and beans/legumes.
This eating pattern puts a person into a state of ketosis where ketone bodies are created and used as a primary fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is the same thing that happens when somebody is fasting for a prolonged period or when somebody is in a state of starvation.
When we look at what the major authorities say, the universally do not recommend the ketogenic diet for overall health especially in the long-term. The US News and World report ranks the ketogenic diet as 24 out of 24 in regards to heart health, dead last. They say that pregnant women, children without epilepsy, people with certain types of cancer, people with heart disease, and high performing athlete’s should not try this diet. They go on to discuss the significant risks including brain fog and mood swings, constipation, high cholesterol, kidney problems, liver problems, and nutrient deficiencies.
Mayo Clinic says there are very significant concerns for long-term health when a diet limits nutrient rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A ketogenic diet may be advertised a weight loss wonder, but it comes with serious risks.
The American Institute for cancer research states that no major cancer health organization recommends a ketogenic diet for cancer patients or for prevention of cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting higher fat animal-based foods.
Any diet that tells you that you cannot eat a single apple is clearly not a diet we should be following. Even 1 single apple has too many carbohydrates and would disqualify somebody from the ketogenic.