Is a low-carb high-fat diet good for heart health?

Question

Hello doctor,

I see many conflicting views on what the best diet is for optimal health. I have personally been following a high-fat, low-carb diet, and I have lost weight and felt pretty good, but I keep reading both sides of the coin: that HFLC is really healthy or that it is actually dangerous.

What should I believe? I would like to know the perspective of a dietitian and a cardiologist since I am consuming a large amount of saturated fat, which also seems to be the subject of a lot of controversy.

Is it good for heart health, or is it bad?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

Certainly, saturated fat and refined carbohydrates are not good for health. Consumption of saturated fat should be decreased and replaced with unsaturated fats. Instead of refined carbohydrates, have complex ones like fibers, etc. Saturated fat will elevate plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which is not good. Also, trans fat consumption should be minimized.

The breakdown of total energy consumption should be 45 to 65 percent from carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent from proteins, and 20 to 35 percent from fats.

Hope this helps you, and get back to me if you have any doubts.

Thanks and regards.