Keto and Cholesterol: What You Need to Know Before Starting the Diet
Keto diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet that has gained immense popularity across the globe due to its numerous potential health benefits like weight reduction, lowered blood sugar level, and improved heart health. However, before you start on this diet, it’s essential to understand its relationship with cholesterol and the effect it may have on your health.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in the bloodstream and is essential for the formation and maintenance of cell membranes, production of hormones, and other vital functions. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Most of the unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in a keto diet can lower cholesterol levels in the body. However, increased consumption of saturated fats, especially those found in processed and animal-based products, can significantly raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Additionally, a keto diet restricts carbohydrates, leading to reduced fiber intake, which can cause constipation and negatively affect gut health, leading to high cholesterol levels. Therefore, it’s essential to balance your keto diet and consume adequate amounts of vegetables, healthy fats, and adequate amounts of protein to avoid cholesterol-related complications.
However, research studies have disparate findings regarding the relationship between keto and cholesterol. Some studies show that keto diet effectively reduces total cholesterol levels while others reveal no significant difference in cholesterol levels compared to other diets. Thus, your medical history and current health condition determine whether keto diet is healthy for you.
Therefore, it’s essential to work closely with a health practitioner to monitor and manage cholesterol levels while on a keto diet. Regular monitoring of blood cholesterol levels and other vital parameters like sugar levels and blood pressure can ensure that keto diet benefits your health more than it causes harm.
In conclusion, whether keto and cholesterol relate positively or negatively varies for individuals. People with certain medical conditions, especially those with a family history of heart diseases, should be extra cautious and monitor their cholesterol levels while on a keto diet. Therefore, before starting a keto diet, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian to determine whether it’s a healthy option for you. Adopting a healthy keto diet in collaboration with your healthcare provider can be a great way to achieve a healthier lifestyle.