If you’re trying to lose some pounds or live healthier, going on a new diet can help.
The ketogenic diet has been buzzing for several years because of its weight loss benefits.
Some people even believe that following the keto diet can prevent or reverse heart failure.
Before we dive into the health benefits of the keto diet, let’s learn more about the basics from cardiologists and researchers.
“The keto diet is placed on eating little to no carbs, so the logic is for you to get those extra calories in from protein and fat instead,” says heart failure cardiologist and researcher W.H. Wilson Tang, MD
“The primary aim of the keto diet is to eliminate carbs that come from unhealthy options like soda, sweets, white bread, as well as healthy options like fruit, milk, and whole grains,” says registered dietitian Katherine Patton, RD
The keto diet is low on carbs and high in fats like eggs, bacon, and cheese. Then your body creates chemicals called ketones that send you into ketosis, a state that means you burn fat for energy.
This is how you lose those extra pounds. However, how could fatty foods in keto possibly be good for individuals with heart disease?
A recent report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology claims that ketone bodies can assist in protecting the heart of people with cardiovascular disease.
Scientists also said more research needs to be done to assess the effect of using ketones on people at risk of heart disease.
Is the Keto Diet Heart Healthy?
Cardiologist Dr. Wilson Tang says that our skeletal muscles are fueled mainly by glucose derived from the carbohydrates we eat. On the other hand, our hearts derive up to 70% of fuel from fats.
Ketone bodies are a substitute source of fuel your liver produces from fat. If you want your body to switch from using glucose as a source of fuel to ketones, you must reduce your carb intake and replace it with unsaturated fat and lean protein.
And this is what the keto diet helps you achieve.
For individuals at risk of developing heart disease, being successful at the keto’s short-term weight loss can prove helpful.
Recommendations for Heart Patients on the Keto Diet
For heart patients, the latest clinical guidelines on dietary recommendations from the American Heart Association suggests:
- Picking fresh fruits and vegetables
- Eating a balanced diet that contains complex carbs, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats
- Limiting red meat and adding in more fish
- Controlling portions
- Cutting back on sugars, saturated fats, simple carbs, and trans fat
- Skipping processed foods
- Replacing sodium with flavorful spices, herbs, and vinegar
If you’re determined to adhere to a strict keto diet, then say hi to us at Keto Creator to plan a keto diet suitable for you.