Benefits of Low Carb Diets
Weight Loss Health Trials - Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3 - Trial 4 - Trial 5 - Are Low Carb Diets Healthy - Health Effects
Lowering your intake of carbs, as part of a calorie-controlled eating plan, in combination with regular physical exercise, offers a range of documented health benefits along with relatively rapid weight loss. (see below). Even so, there's no magic to a low carb diet program. Calories and nutrition are still paramount. Furthermore, a low carb diet is not appropriate during pregnancy, or for nursing mothers, or children or teenagers. So before starting any kind of low carb weight loss regimen, you must consult your doctor.
Weight Reduction Benefits
Low carb diets typically lead to:
- More rapid weight loss than (say) the
more orthodox lower-fat diet programs. However, clinical trials show
that weight-loss between these two diet methods tends to equalize after
the first six months.
- Improved weight control as a result
of reduced hunger and fewer appetite swings due to more stable blood
glucose levels.
- Extra fat-burning, which (in theory) raises metabolic rate, (because muscle tissue needs more calories to sustain it, than body fat) which makes it easier to lose weight.
Health Benefits
Low carb eating plans typically lead to:
- Better blood-glucose control, meaning
more stable blood-sugar levels. This helps to reduce hunger by eliminating
sugar 'spikes' and maintaining satiety.
- Better insulin sensitivity. Research
shows that a reduction in total carb-consumption, or a reduction in
high-glycemic carbs - when combined with regular physical exercise,
can reduce glucose intolerance, leading to improved weight control and
health. In one study, diabetic participants on a low-carbohydrate diet
reduced their fasting blood-sugar levels by about 9 percent, versus
only 2 percent for low-fat dieters. Seven of these diabetics were able
to reduce their dose of insulin or other medication to control blood
sugar.
- Improved cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides. When saturated fat consumption is kept within limits, research shows that a calorie-controlled low carb diet will improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to reduced risk of heart disease.
Longer Term Benefits of Low Carb Diets
Research into low carb eating is ongoing, and is likely to produce more surprises, both in terms of health and weight reduction. To keep up to date with research into carbs and diet, bookmark this site now!
