If you find yourself in a conversation about dieting or weight loss, chances are you’ll hear about the ketogenic, or keto, diet. The keto diet has become one of the most popular methods worldwide among people trying to lose weight and improve their health.

Some research suggests that adopting this low carb, high fat diet may promote fat loss and improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes

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The keto diet may also have neuroprotective effects and help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed

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While the keto diet does seem to have some benefits, it is typically high in saturated fat. This can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in some individuals, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke

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For this reason, the keto diet may not be a good option for everyone.

Additionally, the keto diet is not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing, or those who have kidney disease, liver disease, respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmia, or type 1 diabetes

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If you’ve been thinking about trying the keto diet and have gotten the thumbs up from your doctor, use this article to learn more about what to eat and what to limit while following a keto diet.