A new meta-analysis of multiple studies that involve ketogenic (keto) diets suggests that this low-carb alimentation plan might do more harm than good when followed over the long run.
Initially used as an anti-seizure diet, the keto diet is nowadays marketed as being healthy, both in terms of weight regulation and as a treatment for the symptoms of many chronic diseases.
But this is likely a misconception according to the results of this new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. In it, researchers found that the diet actually increased the risks of several health conditions in participants who followed it in the long term.
So, how could the keto diet actually be bad for your health?
It was shown to contribute to the following:
- higher cholesterol levels
- kidney disease
- cardiovascular diseases
- complications during pregnancy
The researchers behind the study theorize that these are caused by the increased intake of fat-rich products like red meats, processed meats, and saturated fat, which contain cancerogenous nitrates.
In fact, the keto diet is probably one of the only diets in which weight loss doesn’t correlate with lower cholesterol levels. On the contrary, it appears that this diet actually increases those levels.
Another thing worth noting is that most meals in the keto diet are cooked, and can therefore contain cancer-causing byproducts of cooking. The absence of these harmful chemicals is one of the major advantages of the paleo vs keto diet.
In addition, the study also found that pregnant women on a ketogenic diet are more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect than those following a regular diet.
So, if you’re trying to lower your bodyweight, following a vegan diet might be a better choice than adopting the keto diet. Specialized food delivery services like Purple Carrot give you all the more reason to turn vegan the easy way.
