In a study published recently in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine concluded the risks of keto [ketogenic] diets include: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

With the emphasis of keto diets being reducing the intake of carbohydrates, the researchers also concluded that these diets may be especially unsafe for pregnant women, after finding a link between these diets and a higher risk of neural tube defects [malformations in the spinal chord] in the babies of adherents of these diets…despite the women being supplemented with folic acid. Folic acid deficiency has long been associated with these birth defects.

In addition , with the reduction of carbohydrates in keto diets, came an increase in protein intake [most of it from animal sources] which can result in damage to the kidneys.

Lead author of the study, registered dietician Lee Crosby commented, “The typical keto diet is a disease promoting disaster. Loading up on red meat, processed meat, and saturated fat, and restricting carbohydrate-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains is a recipe for bad health.”

Once again, the plant based diet is encouraged as a powerful tool for preventing Type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer. The Asian and Mediterranean styles of eating are delicious and protective, as many nutrition and medical professionals have told us.

Dateline: Latham, Albany County, New York State