High-carbohydrate diets have been marketed as a new way to lose weight. The diet recommends eating an increased percentage of carbohydrates while significantly decreasing fat intake. However, a high-carbohydrate diet is one among many diets that can help someone lose weight. Deciding whether to start a high-carbohydrate diet requires a proper consideration of the pros and cons of the diet.
Weight Loss
A high-carbohydrate diet can help patients lose weight. The diet provides extra amount of carbohydrates, which is made into energy, while limiting the amount of fat that the body stores. This helps prevent fat buildup and reduces weight. In approximately 12 weeks, a high-carbohydrate diet can lead to at least a 6kg weight loss, according to NutraLegacy. Though high in carbohydrates, this diet is relatively low in calories.
Improvement in Mood
Patients who are on a high-carbohydrate diet have been shown improvement in their overall mood, according to a 2007 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The improvement in mood focuses on overall psychological improvement and a reduction in stress. Though not the primary role of a high carbohydrate diet, an improved mood is an added benefit.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Women who are on a high-carbohydrate diet are at a greater risk for heart disease, states Cardiology Today. Women who eat excessive amounts of bread, sugar, jam, honey, pizza and rice may develop coronary artery disease. These foods have a high glycemic index, which means that the food releases sugar into the blood stream quickly. These high carbohydrate foods should be avoided in patients who are worried about developing heart disease.
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is transported in the blood by a group of proteins, which includes the molecule VLDL, or very low-density lipoprotein. VLDL levels can be a measure of cholesterol levels in the blood. High levels of cholesterol are associated with heart disease and hypertension. High-carbohydrate diets have been shown to increase cholesterol levels, according to an article in the October 1999 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. High-carbohydrate diets increase the production and synthesis of the VLDL molecule in the body.
References
- NutraLegacy: Pros and Cons of a High Carbohydrate Diet --- Updated Article With Extra Information
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Low- and High-carbohydrate Weight-loss Diets Have Similar Effects on Mood But Not Cognitive Performance
- Cardiology Today: EPICOR: High-carbohydrate Diet Increased Heart Disease Risk for Women but not Men
- Journal of Clinical Investigation: Effects of a Low-fat, High-carbohydrate Diet on VLDL-triglyceride Assembly, Production, and Clearance
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