BOSTON — Popular low-carb diets like keto may be all the rage these days, but new studies have found that they may not be good for you in the long run.<br /><br />Business Insider reports that the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low carb plan where healthy fats make up 80% of a person's daily calories, and protein 20%. Only 50 grams of carbohydrates are allowed a day, compared to the USDA recommendation of 225 to 325 grams.<br /><br />The idea is to go into a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.<br /><br />But while a ketogenic diet helps reduce sugar and processed food intake, according to a study of overweight men published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it doesn't necessarily burn more body fat.<br /><br />Dieters tend to eliminate healthier carbohydrates like bananas, legumes, or oats, and with them nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Some of the findings suggest going low-carb could lead to glucose intolerance or even diabetes, though more research is needed to confirm this.<br /><br />Research that looked at eating patterns of U.S. adults found that those who ate a moderate amount of carbs were more likely to live longer than high or low carb eaters.<br /><br />A third study that surveyed Europeans' eating habits revealed that those who ate fewer fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts are more likely to develop deadly cancers.<br /><br />Diets sure are tricky. But it seems there's no big secret to eating healthy except for what we've been told time and time again: more greens, less meat, and no junk!
