Cholesterol and Keto
Yo, let’s break it down about keto and cholesterol, ’cause there’s mad chatter out there about fats messing with your cholesterol. It’s 2024, and everyone’s got a take, but separating real talk from the fake? That’s the challenge.
First off, don’t get it twisted: eating fat doesn’t mean you’re instantly clogging up your blood vessels. That’s old-school thinking, and we’ve come a long way since then. This misconception’s been around for ages, and it’s probably why some folks missed out on keto’s benefits for stuff like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
But here’s the real deal: Ancel Keys, this Ivy League cat, dropped a theory back in the day about fat and heart disease. He was all about the “plumbing” model, saying eating stuff like butter and eggs clogs your arteries. But whether his study was legit or just a lie by the bigwigs to downplay keto’s benefits, that’s still up for debate.
Now, peep this: our bodies make cholesterol naturally. So, maybe it ain’t all bad. Research shows that HDL-cholesterol, one type of cholesterol, might actually be the good guy, helping to keep heart disease at bay. But then there’s LDL-cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol, which could be clogging up the works. Still, don’t label LDL as the villain just yet; we’re still learning about this stuff.
HDL-cholesterol? Think of it as the body’s cleanup crew, scooping up LDL and sending it packing. But it doesn’t get rid of all the LDL, though. Keeping your HDL levels healthy is key to protecting your heart.
And don’t sleep on triglycerides, the most common fat in your body. A high triglyceride level, especially with high LDL or low HDL, ups your risk for heart trouble. Nowadays, docs might suggest a keto diet instead of just pushing statins.
Now, let’s talk real causes of heart disease. Back in the 1800s, William Banting, a keto pioneer, was saying it’s more than just one thing causing heart trouble. We gotta think bigger, look at stuff like how your body handles carbs, LDL levels, and inflammation.
In closing, fats ain’t the enemy. They’re crucial for your brain, metabolism, and energy. Piling on healthy fats doesn’t directly link to heart disease. Watch your triglycerides and LDL, but also keep an eye on that sneaky visceral fat. Keto can help you shed that and balance your omega fats.
Remember, it’s all about that keto life for a healthier you.
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