Low carb diets have been touted as a panacea for weight loss. Claims that one could eat all the bacon and cheese they desired as long as they curtailed intake of carbohydrates, whetted many a meat lover's appetite. Low carb diets have been around for a approximately 30 years. While numerous studies have been undertaken, there are still no exhaustive studies that cover periods longer than two years. There is no clear cut side to come down on. Some of the seeming results of a long-term low carb diet seem detrimental, while others seem beneficial
Cholesterol
Based on a number of research studies it appears that the sweet spot for the Atkin's diet is six months. In several studies reviewed by a group of European researchers who studied five trials comparing ow carb diets to low fat diets. The low carb diet seemed to provide benefits such as lowered triglycerides and increased HDL, or good cholesterol, levels were more favorable for the low carb groups after six months. However, by the 12-month mark these results had leveled out and the low carb study's participants exhibited higher LDL, or bad cholesterol, and overall cholesterol numbers. This increases serve as a precursor for an increased risk for stroke and heart attack.
The long term effects of the diet seem to be on a case by case basis. Some participants see an increase in cardiac risk factors while others do not. However, study results seem to indicate that on average the benefits of a low carb diet is comparable to low fat after 12 months.
Ovaries
Women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may be helped by a low carb diet. PCOOS has been identified as a leading cause of infertility in women of childbearing age. In a research study undertaken at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, women were put into a low carb group or a high carb group with carbs comprising 56 percent of the diet. The researchers found that the low carb diets reduced insulin sensitivity, which caused less androgenic activity and allowed hormones to level out. This in turn lowered the occurence of cysts in the ovaries. Elevated insulin levels have long been a culprit in hormonal imbalance. The researchers advocate a sensible low-carb approach that includes leaner cuts of meats and eschewing processed foods and sugars.
Diabetes
Erratic blood sugar levels are quite dangerous for diabetics. For obese diabetics they can be even more detrimental. Increased insulin in the blood stream can cause increased storage of adipose tissue or fat. As most of this fat is situated around the waist and stomach region it can cause other problems. A recent study showed that a low carb diet could regulate blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. Most affected by the low carb diet were the levels of Hemoglobin A1c, which measures how long blood sugar has been high. This study, undertaken by Swedish researchers, found that Type 2 diabetics on a low carb, low calorie diet saw a 1.4 percent drop in the HA1c levels as opposed to those on a regular diet who saw a change of .9 percent. Furthermore the levels held steady at 6.9 percent for 22 months.
Mental Acuity
Carbohydrates are used by the body for energy and to increase mental acuity. A new study by Tufts University seems to indicate that the restriction of carbohydrates may affect a participant's memory. The double-blind study showed that those in the carb deficient group exhibited slower response times, less patience and short term memory deficits. In fact, the users on a traditional food diet exhibited a calmer outlook and more patience over the course of the diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Carbohydrate restrictions may cause long term vitamin and mineral deficiencies. There is a concern among health advocates that if carbohydrates are restricted over time, the resulting lack of key minerals and vitamins may lead to a greater susceptibility to life-threatening diseases. An increase of high fiber vegetables as part of a low carb regimen, will allow participants to still lose weight but not be as subject to mineral deficiencies.
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