The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat eating plan where you consume less than 50 grams of carbohydrates daily, shifting your body to use fat for energy by producing ketones.
Research suggests short-term keto diets can lead to more weight loss than other diets, with potential reductions in blood sugar and triglycerides, but also a common rise in LDL cholesterol.
Certain individuals should avoid the keto diet, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with type 1 diabetes or kidney disease, and individuals taking specific diabetes medications.
Potential risks of the keto diet include elevated LDL cholesterol, deficiencies in fiber, vitamins, and minerals if not carefully planned, and increased risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy.
If the strictness of keto is a concern, the LCHF (low carb, high fat) diet offers a higher carbohydrate limit and is generally easier to integrate into daily life.
The keto diet cuts carbs to under 50 grams a day so your body runs on fat instead of sugar. We explain what research shows about weight, blood sugar and cholesterol, who should skip it, and share a 7-day plan with 15 recipes and nutrition facts.
