Health benefits of low-carb diet are very well established and well known to all of us. Not only does it improve our cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, but it also reduces the appetite and helps in weight loss. In this video, we will cover some of the most important benefits of a low-carb diet.
Low-carb diet reduces appetite
Hunger and food craving is the most common challenge we face while following a strict diet. It is also one of the main reasons why many people get fed up and eventually give up dieting. However, eating low-carb food results in a reduction in appetite. This happens because low-carb diet makes us eat more of protein and fat, and foods that are rich in protein and fat make us feel full for a longer duration. This leads to less hunger as well as lesser intake of calories.
Low-carb diet leads to weight loss
Cutting down carbs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lose weight. Studies have shown that people on a low-carb diet lose more weight and faster than those on low-fat diet. One of the main reasons behind it is that low-carb diet makes the body get rid of excess water and also lowers the insulin levels. Both of these factors result in an efficient and faster weight loss. However, low-carb diet acts as an effective weight loss tool usually for up to 6 months, beyond which the body’s weight loss response to low carb diet declines.
Low-carb diet can drastically reduce triglycerides
Triglycerides are fat molecules that circulate in our bloodstream. Elevated levels of triglycerides put us at a risk of heart disease. One of the major factors behind high triglyceride levels in blood, specially in sedentary people (or the people who are least physically active) is carbohydrate consumption. So, when we cut down carbs in our diet, it tends to drastically reduce the triglycerides in blood.
Low-carb diet promotes good cholesterol (HDL)
High-density lipoprotein or HDL is often called “good cholesterol”. Higher the levels of HDL in comparison to “bad cholesterol” or LDL, lower is the risk of heart disease. One of the best ways to increase good cholesterol or HDL is to eat healthy fat and a low-carb diets includes a lot of it.
Low-carb diet reduces blood sugar and insulin levels
Low-carb diet is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes and insulin resistance. Studies have proved that cutting down carbohydrates lowers both blood sugar and insulin levels drastically. Many people with diabetes who begin a low-carb diet tend to reduce their insulin dosage by 50% almost immediately.
Low-carb diet reduces bad cholesterol (LDL)
Lastly, people who have high LDL or bad cholesterol are at a greater risk of suffering heart attack. However, the size of LDL molecules in blood is an important factor. Smaller molecules put us at a higher risk of heart disease as compared to the larger molecules. Low-carb diet increases the size of “bad cholesterol” or LDL molecules as well as reduces the total number of LDL particles in the bloodstream.