Keto or ketogenic diet, the high-fat and low-carb diet that promises quick weight loss has fascinated and confounded fitness enthusiasts in equal measures. While it allows followers to indulge in some of their favourite high-fat foods while losing weight at the same time, the side effects of eliminating or reducing carbs, fibre, vitamins and minerals can translate into long-term nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.
The diet does promise a quick head start for weight loss enthusiasts, however, it isn't without side effects. A recent randomised control trial on a small group of volunteers over 12 weeks has shown that the diet raises LDL cholesterol in 4 weeks and elevated levels of apolipoprotein B, a protein which speeds up buildup of plaque in arteries which can increase risk of heart disease.
