In the news this week has been filled with many discussions and research about Carbs. Referring to both low carbs and high carbs risks and what is the best quantity to have in 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- and high-carb diets raise risk of 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.
One interesting paragraph I have copied below quoted of the effect of an animal product 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.
Low-carb diet may shorten life unless Vegan
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 more you exchange plant-based fats and proteins for carbohydrates, the more the risk lowers,”
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.
