(NewsNation) — Ketogenic and paleo diets are popular for weight loss, but they can be detrimental to cardiovascular health, according to a new report.
The American Heart Association has created a ranking of the 10 healthiest foods for your heart. journal circulationIt put the Paleo and Keto diets at the bottom, citing that the plan relies on a lack of animal-derived fats and carbohydrates.
“While a balanced VLCD/ketogenic or paleo diet can have healthy attributes, patients are reminded that consuming too much fatty meat and sodium can be detrimental to their health. “In addition, the VCLD/ketogenic diet is high in fat without restricting saturated fat, leading to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.”
The report further states that some keto dieters experience the “keto flu” when they start the diet, with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and constipation. The restrictive nature of the diet “may limit long-term adherence rates.”
At the top of the AHA’s list is the diet to stop high blood pressure, or the DASH diet. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, include lean meats, and limit saturated fats and added sugars.
The AHA ranked the Mediterranean diet second for heart health, the pescatarian third, and the egg/milk vegetarian diet fourth.
“These four eating patterns are flexible and offer a wide range of healthy foods to choose from,” the AHA says of the diet. It is relatively easy to adhere to this guidance wherever it is required.”
The committee ranked the meals based on how well they adhered to the AHA. Guidelines for a Healthy Heart.