One of the stated health benefits of a low-carb diet is that it lowers blood cholesterol. The results of the study presented here counteract this potential benefit. The study found that, although a low-carb diet resulted in lower cholesterol levels, it lowered both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. Compared to low-fat diets, a low-carb diet often offers little or no reduction in LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Any benefit of increased fat metabolism seems to be offset by increased dietary fat and cholesterol intake. However, if low-carb diets initiate weight loss, then there could be a reduction in LDL. Following a diet low in carbohydrates and cholesterol that is primarily based on plants is an effective way to lower unhealthy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Experiment with a variety of low-carb and cholesterol recipes to find your favorite healthy foods.
When carbohydrates are included in a cholesterol-lowering diet, the quality of carbohydrates plays a crucial role. Opting for foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting or avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages, refined cereals, and added sugars, seems to improve cholesterol level results. Using net carbs, total carbs less fiber, some fruits that might fit your plan include raspberries with about 14 grams per cup and strawberries with about 11 grams per cup. Reduce Your Consumption of Added Sugar Low-carb diets can certainly have some benefits if the carbohydrates you are reducing are added sugars, bottled sauces, sweet drinks, packaged desserts, and the like.
There is some evidence that a low-carb diet can help people lose weight more quickly than a low-fat diet (31.3) and can help them maintain that weight loss. While these diets had favorable effects on good cholesterol (HDL), blood sugar and blood pressure, bad cholesterol (LDL) did not decrease and researchers point out that the long-term health effects of diets are unknown. Whole food-based carbohydrates generally don't contain added sugar, are packed with important nutrients, and contain more fiber than most simple carbohydrates. Because the ketogenic diet is highly restrictive, most people don't follow it for the long term, so watch your diet and plan properly when you stop.
Not to mention, including carbohydrates in an overall heart-healthy diet can help your body experience lower cholesterol levels naturally.
