Atkins, South Beach, Ketogenic: Do low-carb diets really do anything?

Some fads never die. Low-carb diets were a thing in the late 90s and they're still a thing now. But why does this fad have staying power? Is it because the touted benefits are real? Or is that greasy, low-carb burger fried in snake oil?

Learn about ketogenic diets in this video fromĀ Reactions, a video series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios.

They may help with epilepsy but claims about Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are rubbish for now. As always, be skeptical of any diet that involves more than consuming fewer calories than you burn. If you exercise, you burn more and can eat a little more.

Producer: Kirk Zamieroski

Writer: Alexa Billow

Scientific consultant: Kellie Cocconi-Hogan, Ph.D.

Credit: 
Credit: ACS