 The
Atkins diet, a craze that seems to never die out, has been ever popular
with dieters. Instead of giving up strictly fat grams and calories, a
dieter part of Atkins must throw aside bread, pasta, vegatables, and fruits
in favor of steak, chicken, pork, cheese, and more cheese. So, instead
of obesity one is instead faced with a carbo hungry body and a clogged
heart (at least what one should think). The Atkins diet has been sworn
upon by many as a way to shed pounds to a better extent than any other
'counting calories/grams' diet system. However, during one of the largest
studies on carbohydrates and dieting, it has been proven otherwise on
both accounts.
But
before we discuss this study, funded by the Atkins Foundation, we will
cover the benefits and the down-sides of joining the Atkins craze.
*Items
marked in blue were findings of the recent Duke study posted by USA Today.
| Benefits
One of the hardest parts of a diet is cutting out foods you enjoy
most. In the case of Atkins you can enjoy your favorite foods such
as meat, cream, and cheese; all high in fat.
No fear of getting hungry since you are allowed to eat as long
as carbohydrates are kept to a minimum.
It has been claimed that our bodies can process Insulin better
on low-carb diets.
Improves levels of triglycerides; blood
fats.
Increases amount of 'good' cholestrol
Disadvantages
Atkins has just as high a drop-out rate as all other diets.
Since the body is low in carbohydrates, it is forced to use fats
for energy which causes increased uric acid and ketones. A side
effect being kidney problems, gout, and headaches.
Constipation from low fiber.
Can cause increased hart problems from increased saturated foods.
In recent study it showed that the Atkins
dieter lost 11 pounds after a year while the calorie counter lost
eight. A difference that is insignificant..
Conclusion found by the
study
One of the largest drawback's to Atkins was its influence on the heart.
However, in the recent study it was proven that the low-carb diet
actually increases 'good' cholesterol levels and lowers triglycerides
in the blood. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat proven to cause
coronary disease. There is also no proof that the diet is significantly
any better than other diets in the long run [over one year]. So what
does this mean? Probably nothing. As people choose their diet program
on the benefits of each, and Atkins benefits can sway the hard to
do dieter to its side.
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