Are Low-Carb Diets Healthy?

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In a typical American or “western” diet, carbohydrates provide more calories than either fat or protein. A “Low-Carb” diet, therefore, implies lowering or decreasing some of the carbohydrate-rich foods and beverages in the diet. This type of dietary change can be a healthy one if the sources of carbohydrates being reduced or eliminated are the types high in calories while being low in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. Soft drinks are good examples, and beverages with added sugars (e.g., sports drinks, coffee drinks) are similar. After this come the various categories of refined grain products that have become a large part of the American or “western” diet: bread, bagels, pasta, pizza crust, pastries, and cookies made with refined white flour.

In contrast, there are many categories of foods high in carbohydrate that are rich in healthy nutrients and should continue to be included in a healthy diet, such as vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fruits (the latter being whole fruits preferably, rather than fruit juices). In fact, not only should these high carbohydrate foods continue to be included in a healthy diet, for many individuals these should probably be increased and become a bigger part of their daily diet. “Low-Carb” can be a healthy way to eat, and for most people this would involve reducing or eliminating the particular carbohydrate-rich food sources that offer the least nutritional value.