Posted: 7. February, 2010
Low carbohydrate and high protein diets such as the Atkin’s diet are extremely popular. They do lead to weight loss, but new studies are showing that a carb-free diet could be dangerous to your health. These types of diets encourage the avoidance of all carbohydrates and promote high protein intake. In theory, you could eat all the bacon you want, as long as you avoid making a sandwich out of it! Sound healthy? It isn’t.
The latest study that I have read links a low carbohydrate and high protein diet to increased incidence of heart attack and stroke, due to atherosclerosis. This is when your arteries are lined with fatty deposits, making them less elastic, increasing blood pressure and potentially leading to dangerous blockages. Atherosclerosis itself leads to heart attacks, heart disease, stroke and aneurysms (bleeds). It is a gradual process, but the Atkin’s diet has been scientifically proven to increase atherosclerosis in mice by over 15%. There are also links to these types of diet and the development of type 2 diabetes.
All of the research that I have done regarding weight loss ends up promoting the same message: sensible and balanced eating. Despite their bad reputation, carbohydrates are not bad for you; in fact, they are a necessary component of a balanced diet. One of my earlier posts, called The Great Carb Debate describes why we need carbohydrates in our diet for optimum health in greater detail. In short, without them, we miss out on important nutrients and decrease our levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin. Avoiding them altogether not only deprives us of these essential components of good health but also can be downright dangerous to our health.
Science is now telling us how dangerous these diets can be. There are many other studies that agree with the one I discuss above. In fact, there are no studies that support an Atkin’s type diet to promote overall health. Most experts claim that these diets are merely propaganda and a way to make money. There are many studies that illustrate the weight loss that occurs from these diets, but what is the point of losing a few pounds when you end up hospitalized for a heart attack or stroke? I have said it before and I will say it again, sensible weight loss requires a balanced diet and some physical activity, it really is as simple as that.
Related Posts:
Add your comment