Low carb food has been popular in the past years as the food of choice for certain diets such as Atkins and other low carb diets. Low carb food refers to food that has sugar content that is relatively low.
This means avoiding so called bad carbs such as sugar, white bread and rice, candy, and other simple carbohydrates, and eating more good carbs which include complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. It also focuses on food such as meat, turkey, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, and low carb milk.
Low carb food is food that is considered to have a low glycemic index. Foods that have low glycemic indeces are ones that do not spike your insulin levels. This makes low carb food a good choice for those who have difficulty with the processing of sugar such as those who have a sensitivity to insulin, are insulin resistent, have diabetes, or are genetically predetermined to get diabetes.
Low carb food is not necessarily for everyone, especially athletes who work out a lot and are focused on endurance. However, low carb food does have certain benefits such as increased energy, decreased cholesterol, decreased appetite and sugar cravings, and better concentration.
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Low Carb Food and Weight Loss Low carb food is used in diets to help with weight loss. Low carb diets have been shown to result in quick weight loss without the need to severely restrict calories, so people on the diet are not hungry all of the time. People who use low carb food also do no... more
Low carb food is used in diets to help with weight loss. Low carb diets have been shown to result in quick weight loss without the need to severely restrict calories, so people on the diet are not hungry all of the time. People who use low carb food also do not necessarily need to exercise on a daily basis which is beneficial to busy people.
There are different theories as to why low carb food helps with weight loss. One is that a diet made up of protein and fats increases the feelings of fullness, so one is not as hungry and eats fewer calories over the course of a meal.
Another is that carbohydrates, especially the high glycemic type, can stimulate hunger. Hence, when these carbs are avoided, one is less hungry, eats less, and loses weight.
Another reason for weight loss is that low carb food causes the body to go into a ketosis state. Instead of burning carbohydrates for calories and fuel, body fat is used. Although ketosis helps burn fat and equals weight loss, ketosis can be a dangerous condition in the body.
A diet using low carb food has been shown to decrease blood pressure, even better than blood pressure medication. Although weight loss in general tends to lower blood pressure, low carb food shows an even greater decrease in overall blood pressure.
Sugar causes insulin to be secreted in the body. Insulin causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat and also decreases the amount of stored fat to be burned for fuel. Insulin also causes the body to be hungry and crave sugar.
High insulin levels cause the suppression of two hormones, growth hormone and glucagon. Growth hormone is necessary to build new tissue and muscle, while glucagon is responsible for the burning of sugar and fat.
Eating a diet that is higher in low carb food and lower in refined sugar will help keep insulin levels low and prevent a lot of health problems from occurring.
The amount of carbs needed for each particular person varies depending on age, gender, and activity level. There is no specific recommendation for low carb food consumption, but in order to avoid and prevent ketosis, at least 100 grams of carbohydrates daily are needed. Speak with your health care provider about your specific situation and needs.
A diet that is high in low carb foods can have health effects. There can be an increase in cholesterol when the diet consists of whole dairy products, red meat, and fatty foods.
A diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein can lead to kidney damage. Increased amounts of protein can lead to an increased amount of calcium being excreted, which in turn leads to increased amounts in the kidneys. This can result in kidney stones and kidney failure.
Because of the increased amount of calcium being excreted, there is a decrease of calcium in the blood and body which can lead to osteoporosis.
A diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein can also lead to ketosis. Over time, this leads to organ failure, gout, and kidney disease. Side effects are lessened when supplementing your body with good and complex carbohydrates.
Balanced nutrition is the best way to make a low carb diet, or any diet plan, work over the long term without negative side effects. Use the free supplement finder to locate the nutrients you are missing out on, now!
| Osteoporosis |
| Increased Cholesterol |
| Gout |
| Kidney Damage |
| Kidney Stones |
| Ketosis |
| Appetite Suppression |
| Burn Fat |
| Cholesterol |
| Concentration |
| Energy |
| Keep Insulin Levels Low |
| Lose Weight |