According to a researcher, a low carbohydrate diet could be dangerous

Pasta. Leaven. Mashed potatoes. If you are one of the legions of dieters who have religiously practiced cutting carbs in order to become lean and fit, you may be surprised by a recent study showing that low carb diets are only -be not healthy. In fact, they can be dangerous.

Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Germany has shown that very low carbohydrate diets can actually increase the risk of premature death over time. Yes

The author of the study, Professor Maciej Banach from Lodz Medical University in Poland, said: "We found that people who consumed a low carbohydrate diet had a higher risk of premature death. Risks have also increased for individual causes of death, including coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. These diets should be avoided. "

The study – which was not published in a peer-reviewed journal – used data on food and health from nearly 25,000 people collected as part of the study. National survey on health and nutrition between 1999 and 2010. Researchers found that on average 6.4 years of follow-up, people who consumed the least carbohydrate had a 32% higher total mortality risk. , a risk of about 50% of deaths from vascular disease and a 36% higher risk of dying from cancer, compared to people who ate the most carbohydrates.

As Banach said, "Low-carb diets may be useful in the short term for weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and improving glycemic control, but our study suggests that in the long term they are associated with an increased risk of death. causes and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and cancer.

Part of the problem may be that people who eliminate carbohydrates can instead consume high-fat foods. When Despina Hyde, dietitian at NYU Langone's weight management program, told Time, "When you're not eating carbs, you have to eat something. We tend to eat more protein and fat (with a low carbohydrate diet), "says Hyde. In addition, carbohydrates are the only source of fiber that we have, and the fibers are excellent for reducing the risk of breast cancer, lowering our cholesterol levels and satiating us longer.

Apparently, it is possible to have too much or too little carbohydrate in your life.

"These findings bring together several controversial elements," said co-author Walter Willett at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said in a statement quoted by USA Today. "Too much carbohydrate and too little carbohydrate can be harmful, but what matters most is the type of fats, protein and carbohydrates."

Although this is not a sexy answer, the best way might be moderation. Eating carbohydrates is good for us, as long as we choose good carbs. Think of black beans, fruits, quinoa and whole grains.