Low carb diets have become very popular in the weight loss industry recently. However, they may pose some health risks in the long term according to new medical research.
A recent study published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute (JNCI) showed that more than 80,000 new cancer cases were attributable to poor dietary habits!
The shocking finding was that low whole-grain consumption was associated with the largest cancer burden in the US, especially colorectal cancer.
In another study done on 24,825 people, the risk of death from heart disease was also increased by 51%, stroke by 50%, and cancer by 35% in those on low-carb diets.
One metanalysis on the diets of 447,506 people around the world found that overall, low-carb dieters had a 15% increased risk of death.
These are not surprising findings though.
Healthy carbs are very rich in fibers and fibers are one of the very important nutrients that our body needs.
Fibers help in detoxification by preventing constipation. Fibers are essential to keep our GI tract healthy and functional.
Fibers also help in controlling our blood sugar level and lower cholesterol level. These beneficial effects reduce the risks of cancers, heart disease, and stroke.
Leafy vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are the best sources of fibers in our diet.
It is not the quantity of the carbs that we need to worry about but rather the quality. Refined carbs and sugary food products are definitely very harmful to our health. On the contrary, healthy carbs are a must in our diet.
The best dietary strategy is to have a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, high-quality protein and healthy fats from naturally oily sources like olives and avocados.
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