02
May
Myth 8 - Low Carbohydrate Diets Are Harmful
Reading time - 3 mins
Low carbohydrate (Low-Carb) diets have been popular for several decades. However, because they are higher in fat, they have been demonized by nutritionists and some of the media. They repeatedly claim that such diets are “unproven” or downright dangerous.
However, since 2002, over 20 randomised controlled trials have examined the effects of low-carb diets on various aspects of health.
Almost every study agrees that:
- Low-carb diets lead to significant decreases in blood pressure.
- Low-carb diets where people can eat as much as they want, cause more weight loss than low-fat diets that are calorie restricted.
- Low-carb diets have powerful positive benefits on type II diabetes, significantly lowering blood sugar and reducing the need for medication.
- Low-carb diets appear to be easier to stick to than low-fat diets, probably because people don’t have to restrict calories as much and be hungry all the time.
Even though low-carb diets are unnecessary for people who are healthy and active, studies show that they are extremely useful against obesity, metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.
Bottom Line
Low-carb diets are healthier and a more effective way to lose weight and reverse metabolic syndrome. The key is to reduce your carb intake slowly so it is easier to maintain. You also need to be conscious of replacing carbs with good fats and protein. Going Low-carb does not mean eliminating all fruits and vegetables. It means reducing processed foods, starchy carbs and added sugars.
Read more in the 'Nutrition Myths Busted' Series
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