High-fat, low-carb ketogenic (“keto”) diets are gaining recognition as practical tools for combating obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
According to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., a nutritionist and expert on diet and weight loss, keto diets have demonstrated significant improvements in insulin resistance, a key factor associated with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the keto diet positively impacts various markers considered risks for heart disease, with triglycerides experiencing substantial reductions.
Contrasting the dietary advice of the past that emphasized a high-carb, low-fat approach, Bowden points out that, historically, Americans consumed lard, butter, beef, and cheese before the 1920s, yet strokes and heart attacks were less prevalent than they are today. He explains that a diet high in sugar prompts the body to prioritize using sugar for fuel, allowing fat to accumulate.
In contrast, the keto diet prompts the body to utilize stored fat as fuel. While resembling the Atkins diet, the keto diet is more refined, incorporating higher-quality fats such as Malaysian palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, butter, dairy fat, and egg yolks.
These healthier fats provide a foundation for the keto diet, enhancing its effectiveness in promoting heart health and supporting various aspects of well-being. As research on the keto diet continues to unfold, it presents a promising dietary approach for individuals looking to manage obesity, diabetes, and heart disease while improving overall health.
