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Low-carb diets may shorten life – unless plantbased

Low-carb diets have been in the news this week filled with many discussions and research. Referring to both low carbs and high carbs risks and what is the best quantity to consume to increase longevity.

Popular weight loss diets such as Atkins and Dukan include a substantial amount of meat-based foods, high-protein, restricted low-carb plan. The body will turn to glycogen stores (carbohydrates) for energy.

There was a higher mortality risk when eating a lot of meat and fats rather than getting their protein and fats from plant-based foods such as avocados, legumes and nuts.

Both low-Carb diets and high-carb diets can raise risk of early death

The first article quoted a combined research gathered from eight large studies have found that eating a moderate amount of carbohydrates is best for a healthy lifespan.

The interesting paragraph below quoted the effect of an animal product type diet has increased risk of mortality!

However, they said people who embraced western-type diets that heavily restricted carbohydrates often ate fewer vegetables, fruit, and grains and more animal proteins and fats. Some of those animal products have been implicated in stimulating inflammatory pathways, biological ageing and oxidative stress, and could be a contributing factor to the increased risk of mortality.

They eventually concluded less than 40% or more than 70% of calories from carbohydrates carried a higher risk of mortality.

Eating a low-carb diet may shorten your life – unless plantbased

The second article made me smile as soon as I read the title “unless you go vegan too” and just love this quote

Low carbohydrate diets have been linked to reduced longevity – except for when dieters ditch the steak for plant-based alternatives.

The interesting reading was how they felt increased mortality of restricted carbs was due to a lower consumption of vegetables and fruit and how animal proteins can be harmful by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress on the body.

The most important not was how important it is to replace carbohydrate with more plant-based food is going to follow a very low carbohydrate diet as a way to lose weight.

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Louise Burton-Payne

Passionate about feeding my body a plant-based vegan food to benefit my health, save the planet and protect animals.

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