Low Carb Diets
Low carb diets have been around for a long time. They have recently become very popular (mainly due to the amount of press given to Dr. Atkins diet). There has been plenty of celebrity 'endorsement' and media coverage. Low carb diets come with their fair share of controversy given that the diet plans go against typical nutritional wisdom.
There is no strict (or official) definition of the words "Low Carb", and due to recent popularity, the phrase has become its own brand for selling products. Generally any diet with < 45% carbohydrate ratio could be considered low carb. However this can cover anything from no-carb to something like the Zone diet - with 40% carb ratio.
Do they work? There is evidence showing low carb diets have produced short-term weight loss*. However the jury is out concerning long-term weight loss.
A brief search of the Internet will produce an enormous range of opinions and points of view. It is essential to do some research before beginning a low carb diet - as the diet typically has a high drop-out rate - so it's worth doing your homework - such as buying a book (or downloading an e-book). Suggestions: Low Carb dieting for beginners by Dr. Tanya Zilberter (downloadable) or the One Low Carb diet that always works.
Be sensible with low carbohydrate plans. It has become fashionable in the US to be "very low-carb". This is not suitable for everybody.
Low carb diet plans
There are a large number of low carb diet plans and programs; Atkins diet, Neanderthin, the Go-Diet, Carbohydrate Addicts, Protein Power, Sugar Busters, and The Zone are among the most popular.
Low Carb Food
There is an excellent range of low carb foods that have been carefully chosen for their low quantities of carbohydrates. You'd be surprised at the range of low carb food available. For example; Low carb Bread, low carb meals, desserts, pasta, low carb bars, and other snacks.
Related information:
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported in conjunction with fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement.
Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.
Fats also serve as energy stores for the body, containing about 37.8 kilojoules (9 calories) per gram of fat[3]. They are broken down in the body to release glycerol and free fatty acids. The glycerol can be converted to glucose by the liver and thus used as a source of energy.
Fat also serves as a useful buffer towards a host of diseases. When a particular substance, whether chemical or biotic—reaches unsafe levels in the bloodstream, the body can effectively dilute—or at least maintain equilibrium of—the offending substances by storing it in new fat tissue. This helps to protect vital organs, until such time as the offending substances can be metabolized and/or removed from the body by such means as excretion, urination, accidental or intentional bloodletting, sebum excretion, and hair growth.
While it is nearly impossible to remove fat completely from the diet, it would be unhealthy to do so. Some fatty acids are essential nutrients, meaning that they can't be produced in the body from other compounds and need to be consumed in small amounts. All other fats required by the body are non-essential and can be produced in the body from other compounds.
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