Are Low-Carb Diets Healthy?

Struggling with weight loss? Ever since Dr. Atkins introduced his revolutionary diet, low-carb regimens have been all the rage. These diets promise that you can lose weight, while still enjoying many of the foods you love (T-Bone steak anyone?). But some have warned that the low-carb craze isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. What should we be aware of when considering a farewell to pasta?

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Regarding Comment

What happened to me on a low-carb diet?

Too Low Cholesterol

Dear Bagpiper, total cholesterol below 160 puts you at increased risk of stroke! Mine used to be 133 (when I ate low- fat ), but I'm much happier with my tot chol = 188 and my tot chol/HDL = 2.4, and my disgustingly high-fat diet! I'm glad the vegetarian WOE is working for you weight-wise, but don't fool yourself that your cholesterol numbers are good.

- expataddie April 9, 2009 3:41AM

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- Can you direct me to some studies?
  
  I'd be interested in knowing if that really was the case. What exactly is the mechanism for that increasing the risk of cerebrovascular accident? What sources of fats can I use to boost that number without eating any animal flesh? Would avocados/olive oil work?
  
  - bagpiper2005 April 9, 2009 6:56AM
  
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  - Can you eat eggs?
    
    I'll look up some references regarding cholesterol and send them when I get a chance. In the meantime, can you eat eggs? They are a perfect source of protein. I also eat lots of avocado.
    
    - expataddie April 9, 2009 9:24PM
    
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  - Too Low Cholesterol
    
    Hi Bagpiper. I've been too busy to look up the actual studies, but you can check out these sites for more info:
    
    http://westonaprice.org/askdoctor/lowcholesterol.html
    
    http://www.ctds.info/low_cholesterol.html
    
    - expataddie April 15, 2009 5:39AM
    
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Related Debates

Experts on "Yes" Side

Dr Richard Feinman
Professor of Biochemistry See arguments
Christopher Gardner
Associate Professor of Medicine See arguments

Experts on "No" Side

Dr Bruce Rengers
Metropolitan State College of Denver See arguments

Most Objections

Low Carb Diets Do Not Promote Long Term Health
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