Question

The following are components of the lipid profile. Explain how each of these substances are influenced by Ketogenic Diet.
*Triglycerides
*Cholesterol
*High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
*Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Answer 1

It has been found that when a person is on a ketogenic diet that all their carbohydrates are replaced with fats, the liver produces fewer triglycerides, and the triglyceride levels in the body either remain unchanged or are lowered significantly. A sudden surge in the levels of triglyceride can be observed at the beginning of a Keto diet which slowly levels out after weeks and months

According to a recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a study was conducted between people on low carb ketogenic diet and people on a low-fat diet. After a year, the results were staggering. The group on the Keto diet showed double the average increase in HDL as compared with the low-fat group. Other studies have been concluded on LDL showing a keto diet reduces the level of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and favors on LDL particle concentration, LDL particle size, and quantity of VLDL particles.

Lauric and stearic acid found in coconut and animal fats can favorably affect the HDL cholesterol level. As these fats are so abundant in a keto diet, total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio are improved. So when a person restricts carbohydrates and a majority of their calories come from animal fat, coconut oil and unsaturated fats, like fish, nuts, avocado and olive oil, it is highly likely that the cholesterol level would be optimized and the lipid profile of the person will also improve.