A ketogenic diet (a very-low-carbohydrate, modest in protein, and high in fat diet) seems to promote our health and fight various chronic diseases, including overweight, diabetes and liver disease. It shows noticable improvements in symptoms in the short run, but does it maintain all health benefits if followed for a long time?

A recent study examined the effects of various types of ketogenic diets on common chronic diseases, as well as the diet impact on diet quality and possible risks. It came up with the following conclusions.

From the positive side, a ketogenic diet helps reduce body weight (although not more effectively than other diets over the long term) and lower blood glucose (although the achieved effect typically wanes within the first few months).

On the negative side, a ketogenic diet can rise levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C). Moreover, foods that typically are eaten on ketogenic diets (f.e. meat, processed meat, saturated fat) may increase risk of chronic disease, such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, whereas intake of protective foods (f.e. vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains) typically decreases.

The researchers concluded that for most people, the risks of ketogenic diet outweigh the benefits. So, here we come back to a well-balanced diet that can provide us with all necessary macro- and micronutrients without any downside for our health.

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