In the fight against excess kilos, the low-carbohydrate diet has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Many swore by it and cut starch sources such as rice, potatoes and bananas from the daily diet. Unwise, according to international studies.
The popularity of the low-carbohydrate diet is apparent from a campaign by a number of general practitioners from Leende in Brabant. They urged their patients to eat as few carbohydrates as possible. On the one hand, it is true that the lowest possible sugar intake reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes.
But the low-carb diet also carries health risks. This is the conclusion of Professor Fred Brouns of Maastricht University. A low-carb diet, also known as a ketogenic diet, is relatively low in fiber and high in fat. This has unfavorable influences on the intestinal flora.
Apart from that, Brouns states that a moderately modified diet, in which you consume at least 100 to 150 grams of carbohydrates, is better to maintain. There are no proven long-term benefits of a low-carb diet.
No low-carb diet
In addition to his own publication, Brouns has participated in an international study into dietary guidelines. All countries and agencies surveyed, including the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority, recommend limiting the intake of added sugars in their dietary guidelines. However, none of them recommend following a low-carb diet.
Fifty fifty
Professor Brouns recommends lowering carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake. A ratio in which both nutrients provide about 40 percent of energy intake, he says, is a healthy measure. With carbohydrate sources it is also important that they contain a lot of fiber and unsaturated fat sources.
His most important advice in the fight against obesity and diabetes is to change several lifestyle factors simultaneously. A healthy diet should be accompanied by sufficient exercise, moderation in the amount of food, smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption.
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