Carbohydrates can be good or bad for your diet, depending on the type you consume. Complex carbohydrates are generally good for you and supplied by wholesome, high-fiber foods. Simple carbohydrates are those you find in candy bars and processed foods; they typically lack fiber and negatively affect blood sugar levels. Low-carb diets focus on protein-rich foods, those that keep blood sugar levels stable and hunger at bay.
Low-Carb Premise
Carbohydrates are the body's chief source of energy. Upon consumption, your body converts carbohydrates to sugar, which raises your blood sugar levels and releases energy into your cells. Low-carb diets are based on the assumption that restricting carbs in your diet results in lower insulin levels, which triggers the body to burn stored fat for energy.
Low-Carb Diet Menu
A low-carb diet menu consists of high-protein foods, including meat, eggs, nuts and some vegetables. Depending on the exact diet you follow, some carbohydrates are allowed, although dieters are often encouraged to count carbs and stay within their daily limits -- typically below 150 g daily. Otherwise healthy foods, such as whole-grain breads, root vegetables, some dairy products and certain fruits are either eliminated or restricted in low-carbohydrate diets.
Carbohydrate Counting
Low-carb dieters learn the significance of net carbs, those that considerably affect your blood sugar levels.To calculate the carbohydrate content in foods and determine the net carbohydrate value, dieters subtract the fiber content from the carbohydrate content, according to Atkins. To illustrate, a food that contains 20 g of fiber and 30 g of carbohydrates would have a net carbohydrate value of 10,
Potential Risks
While following a low-carb plan and eliminating simple carbohydrates from your diet may seem like a healthy decision, some potential dangers exist. Foods that are low in carbs but high in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise your risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, a condition caused by insufficient fat breakdown, ketosis, can lead to dehydration, weakness and nausea among low-carb dieters, per the Mayo Clinic. Contact your doctor if your experience these side effects.
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