1. From what I understand most, if not all, of the “saturated fat is bad” literature is compromised because the fats in those studies most likely all contained high amounts of trans fats. So saturated fats got the bad rap deserved for trans fat. Look into the research done by Mary Enig – here’s a link http://coconutoil.com/truth_saturated_fats.htm. Saturated fats make up ~50% of our cell wall membranes and are associated with elevated HDL (if you a believer of the fat heat theory which I am not), are precursors to surfactants in the lungs (which could be associated with the increase in childhood asthma because we’re feeding our kids this low fat crap food) and have a host of other well documented healthful effects (See Enig article/link)

2. In defense of Dr. Seyfried his statement is probably true if one eats mass quantities of saturated fats like a Cone Head. However, all of us on the low carb lifestyle know that when you truly eat low carb you just can’t eat as much food. You get satiated the way nature intended and in most cases calorie intake is on the low end of today’s dietary recommendations.

He’s wrong about any connection to cardiovascular disease because of saturated fats. Dr. Jeff Volek from UConn has totally debunked this as have many others. Read THE GREAT CHOLESTEROL CON by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick for more info. Listen to my June 2009 interview with him.

–Jimmy

Cool idea that LC might affect a disease like cancer, just the same.

Jimmy, isn’t your bloodwork results since going LC, and that of many others, proof the doc’s statement may not be correct?

In no uncertain terms, you’re absolutely correct.

–Jimmy

What exactly is so dangerous about unrestricted ketogenic eating?

The ketogenic diet contains large amounts of high caloric saturated fats. It is not healthy to eat large amounts of saturated fats. This will contribute to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. High blood glucose levels are associated with high fat consumption even when there are no carbohydrates in the diet. High blood glucose levels will accelerate tumor growth. The liver will synthesize glucose from the glycerol component of the triglycerides. Consequently, the KD should be consumed in restricted amounts, especially over prolonged periods. As I have clearly written in my articles, “more is not better” when it comes to eating the ketogenic diet for either epilepsy or brain cancer.

Does this mean the only safe way to very low-carb is to engage in intermittent fasting or eat tiny meals?

Yes. People can prove this to themselves by simply measuring their blood glucose levels under these conditions.

What about people who do this for management of epilepsy, do they restrict calories, too?

Yes. The KD is always administered in restricted amounts to patients with epilepsy. Seizure protection is lost in epilepsy patients who consume too much KD. Again, it relates to blood glucose levels. Epilepsy is managed best when blood glucose levels remain stable in the low range (65-75 mg/dl).

Are you implying that people who eat an unrestricted ketogenic diet are doing gross metabolic harm?

Gross metabolic harm would happen only if the diet was consumed in large amounts over extended periods, e.g., weeks or months. The diet is healthy only when consumed in small amounts. This will produce the condition of low glucose with elevated ketones.

Your comments are welcomed!