Cholesterol on the Keto Diet

Cholesterol and Keto

Much of what most people thought to have understood about Cholesterol (both “good” and “bad” Cholesterol and off and on Keto) is outdated and completely misunderstood. Until now doctors and medical professionals warned patients about eating high-fat foods for fear of increasing cholesterol levels which then would undoubtedly lead to heart disease and other metabolic issues like diabetes.

Likewise, some folks are very reluctant to begin a Ketogenic diet based on the all you can eat bacon and cheese buffet (Dirty Keto) which goes against everything the medical professionals have been preaching all these years.

Both are wrong!

It’s true. And once the bigger picture, the true picture, is clear… it will all make sense. Only humans and animals produce Cholesterol which means humans get the 25% mentioned above through animal proteins. Plants are naturally Cholesterol-free.

Cholesterol Myths and Truths

First, we need to get a better understanding of the whole Cholesterol fiasco and why the previous myths have been debunked.

  • Cholesterol isn’t harmful. In fact, the human body produces 75% of the necessary Cholesterol supply and the other 25% is ingested.
  • A “Cholesterol panel” is actually a lipid panel. Cholesterol isn’t even an interest; it’s the vehicle in which Cholesterol travels that wreaks havoc on the cardiovascular system.
Keto Cholesterol Panel

When a lipid panel is drawn the good old doctors are looking for the numbers and sizes of the Cholesterol carriers (lipoproteins), not the Cholesterol itself. HDL (good), LDL (bad) and VLDL (ugly) are the vehicles, like a car per se, for Cholesterol.

These particles move the Cholesterol around the parts of body where it’s needed.

  • The HDL, high-density lipoprotein, is deemed the “good” one because it’s responsible for returning any leftover LDL Cholesterol vehicles back to the liver to be recycled or sent down the poop chute. HDL has anti-inflammatory properties and assists the immune system.
  • The LDL, low-density lipoprotein, is not so good. These guys are slow and tend to get stuck in the arteries which starts plaque buildup. The LDL value calculates how many and the size of these lipoprotein vehicles are in the blood. An overabundance of smaller LDL vehicles can cause problems. The best scenario is there is a lower number and they are bigger in size.
  • Then there is the VLDL, very-low-density lipoprotein, which doesn’t even carry Cholesterol and instead carts around triglycerides. Triglycerides are the byproduct of leftover and unused sugars (carbohydrates) that need a place to hide. They are smaller than LDL Cholesterol carriers, thus the risk for heart disease is much greater with these guys.


How Does Keto Help Cholesterol Levels?

Keto Cholesterol Levels


The common factors in research thus far:

  • Increased LDL carrier size.
  • Decreased body mass index and weight.
  • Better blood glucose readings.


The #1 Ketogenic Diet Myth – Cholesterol on Keto

A menu consisting of bacon and cheese (Dirty Keto) isn’t going to cut it on the Ketogenic diet. That is a terrible meal plan (especially long term). The Ketogenic diet is based on getting the correct number of macronutrients (protein, fats and carbohydrates) to maximize results and maintain a state of Ketosis.


Need another reason the bacon and cheese diet is absurd? Humans need to balance electrolytes. Sodium, potassium and magnesium are imperative for health and wellness. Some of these can come from animal proteins, but the best sources are above-ground veggies. Plus, vegetables are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Cholesterol isn’t such a bad guy after all. The Ketogenic diet can absolutely assist in correcting a lipid panel, along with many other benefits. Oh, and a slab of bacon a day with a block of cheese certainly doesn’t fulfill the Ketogenic dietary needs, but both are in fact Keto-friendly foods!

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