A low carb diet is the approach to weight loss by many popular diets such Atkins, South Beach, Zone, Protein Power and Sugar Busters.
What is a low carb diet?
Some of the low carb diets don’t require a strict menu but require limiting foods that are high in carbohydrate. Some diets limit the amount of overall carbohydrate, while others focus on certain types of foods, generally ones high in starch and sugars.
How does a low carb diet work?
The scientific principle behind a low carb diet is this; carbohydrates affect blood sugar and hormones. A low carb diet discourages insulin production and tend and this is said to lead to weight loss by causing body fat to be burned instead of carbs.
Side effects of a low carb diet.
Eating more animal protein as a substitute for carbohydrates has been linked to heart disease. A diet rich in fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains, and beans is not a low carb diet and if these foods are limited it means that you could be missing vital vitamins and nutrients that can only be found in these foods.
Does a low carb diet work?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the low carb diet. The disagreements in interpreting results of studies make it difficult to summarize the research. The usual result is that weight loss is not maintained when carbs are re-introduced into the diet.
Finally, the jury seems to be out on the low carb diet and if you decide to try it, be sure to talk to your doctor first.