Low-Carb Diet Unhealthy for the Heart
Low carbohydrate, more commonly known as the low-carb diet is generally recommended for reducing body weight. Instead, a diet rich in fats and proteins is often suggested. Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin however claim that low-carb diets may not be that healthy for the heart as low-fat diets are.
A test called the “brachial flow-mediated dilation” was conducted to establish the effects of diet on the health and condition of arteries. An ultrasound was carried out to show how an artery in the arm dilates to allow blood flow which is pumped by a blood pressure cuff.
Results of the study showed that low-carb diets are richer in fat contents, proteins and saturated fats as compared to low-fat diets. The American Heart Association further explained that while on the one hand, low-carb diets help in losing weight and reducing blood pressure, the high fat levels can prove to be unhealthy for the heart as compared to low-fat diets.
Researchers also went onto reveal that low-carb diets have a significantly lower “folic acid” which works as an antioxidant to lower the levels of homocysteine (amino acid) in the body. Interestingly, homocysteine is linked with strokes and heart diseases.