Many people turn to dieting in hopes of improving their overall health, but what if those efforts are actually doing more harm than good? It turns out that certain popular diets could be negatively impacting heart health, putting individuals at risk for serious complications down the line.

Keto diet

The keto diet, which involves consuming high amounts of fat and little to no carbohydrates, has become increasingly popular in recent years. While proponents of the diet tout its weight loss benefits, it may not be doing your heart any favors.

The high fat content of the diet can increase your levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and triglycerides, both of which contribute to heart disease. Additionally, many individuals on the keto diet consume high amounts of saturated fats, such as those found in red meat and dairy, which further increases their risk of heart disease.

Paleo diet

The paleo diet centers around consuming foods that would have been available to early humans, such as meat, fish, and vegetables. While this eating plan may appear healthy on the surface, it can actually be detrimental to heart health.

The paleo diet tends to be high in saturated fats, which can increase LDL cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Additionally, the diet eliminates grains and legumes, which are important sources of fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Vegan diet

While a vegan diet may appear to be the healthiest of the bunch, it too can pose risks to heart health if not well-planned.

Vegan diets eliminate all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, which can make it difficult to obtain certain nutrients necessary for heart health, such as vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, many vegan diets rely heavily on processed foods, which can be high in sodium and added sugars, both of which contribute to heart disease.

Low-fat diet

Low-fat diets were once the go-to for heart health, with the idea that consuming less fat would lead to lower cholesterol levels and a decreased risk of heart disease. However, research has since shown that this is not necessarily the case.

Low-fat diets often contain high amounts of refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which can actually increase triglyceride levels and contribute to inflammation and heart disease.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet has long been lauded as one of the healthiest ways to eat, with research showing that it can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

This eating plan centers around consuming plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and nuts. However, it’s important to note that the diet can still be high in fat and calories if portions are not controlled, which can contribute to weight gain and ultimately increase the risk of heart disease.

DASH diet

The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, was originally developed to help lower blood pressure and has since been shown to have a positive impact on heart health as well.

The diet focuses on consuming whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed and high-fat foods. However, it’s important to note that the diet can still be high in sodium if not well-planned, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

The bottom line

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to diet and heart health, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with certain popular diets.

When making dietary changes, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the plan is not only effective for your individual health goals, but also safe for your heart health in the long run.