What Are The Benefits Of Low Carbs?

A low-carb diet focuses on reducing your intake of foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as starchy vegetables, pastas, breads and baked goods. Carbohydrates are components of foods that your body uses for energy, particularly for proper nervous system and brain activity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, excess carbohydrates may lead to health problems. Following a low-carb diet may offer several benefits that are important for overall health. Check with your doctor if you plan to adopt a low-carb diet.

Weight Management

A diet high in carbohydrates may contribute to obesity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Following a low-carb diet may help prevent weight gain, and may support loss of excess weight. Unused carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates found in sugars and white flour products, are stored as fat cells by your body.

Diabetes Management

Limiting carbohydrates is an essential part of diabetes management, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, which can raise blood sugar levels. This can trigger diabetes symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, vision disturbances and sweating. Chronic high blood glucose levels can also contribute to comas and death.

Heart Disease Prevention

Limiting your intake of carbohydrates may help reduce triglyceride levels in your bloodstream, according to the Balches. Triglycerides are associated with atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and may contribute to heart disease. A low-carb diet may also increase high density lipoprotein levels in your bloodstream. High density lipoproteins are components of cholesterol that may help clear out fatty deposits that can clog your arteries and promote heart disease.