What the Science Really Says About Ketogenic Diets and Heart Health
Metabolic Mind
LDL doesn't always rise on keto
Bret notes most people see no LDL increase; a minority do and need monitoring.
February is Heart Health Month, making it the perfect time to challenge common misconceptions about diet and cardiovascular health.
One claim that always resurfaces? That ketogenic diets are bad for your heart. But when you take a closer look at the science, that assumption simply doesn’t hold up.
In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down the real evidence behind ketogenic diets and cardiovascular risk, addressing:
✅ How many “keto” studies don’t actually study true ketogenic diets
✅ The truth about LDL cholesterol on keto (it doesn’t go up for everyone!)
✅ Why triglycerides, HDL, insulin, and inflammation may matter more than LDL
✅ How keto compares to DASH for blood pressure and metabolic health
✅ Why saturated fat from real food behaves differently in the body
✅ The critical difference between ultra-processed high-fat/high-carb diets and low-carb, whole-food ketogenic diets
💡 Using the most up-to-date clinical evidence, Dr. Scher explains why ketosis can be a heart-supportive strategy, especially for those with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, insulin resistance, or poor metabolic health.
If you’re interested in learning more about the safety of ketogenic therapy, check out our “Is Keto Safe” topic page: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/topics/is-keto-safe/
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #HeartHealth
Expert Featured:
Dr. Bret Scher
- Baszucki Group Medical Director
- https://x.com/bschermd
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Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/
About us:
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
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