TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - 2020/05/27: A slice of pastry made using a ketogenic diet recipe. The sweet food is made with coconut flour and coconut oil. (Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images) The low-carb ketogenic (keto) diet has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years among those looking to lose weight.
A new study, however, suggests that a "keto-like" diet could trigger a spike in "bad" cholesterol, which can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and a significantly greater risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.Findings from the study were presented on Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology.KETO DIET: WHAT IS IT AND HOW MANY CARBS DO I EAT PER DAY?"Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol — or ‘bad’ cholesterol — and a higher risk of heart disease," said lead author Iulia Iatan, M.D., PhD, in a press release about the findings.Once 540 pounds, Jeff Brinker is now half that weight and feeling better than he's felt in decades.