Kerri WaldronExperts have urged caution when it comes to what you eat, warning that a popular type of diet could actually raise “bad” cholesterol levels. According to a new study one style of eating previously hailed for its potential health benefits could come with some risks.
Research recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that eating a low-carbohydrate diet could raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL is more commonly known as “bad cholesterol” because too much of it in your blood can contribute to plaque build up in your arteries.
It is this that puts you at greater risk of associated medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. As part of this research, a team conducted a systematic review of existing randomised controlled trials with low-carbohydrate diets that lasted at least two weeks and reported participants’ body mass index (BMI) along the way.
Overall, 41 trials with a total of 1,379 participants were analysed. It was found that BMI was strongly associated with LDL cholesterol changes, whereas saturated fat intake was weakly associated, as reported by Pharmacy Times.
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For participants who took on a low-carbohydrate diet, an inverse relationship between BMI and LDL changes were found. Thinner participants typically experienced elevations in LDL cholesterol, whereas those with elevated BMI had either no change or a reduction in LDL cholesterol.
The team therefore proposed that net carbohydrate intake may affect LDL cholesterol by impacting lipoprotein “trafficking”, especially in those individuals with lower body fat.
Moreover, saturated fat was found to have a significantly lower effect on LDL cholesterol compared with carbohydrate restriction.
Researchers said the findings should be reassuring for patients considering the use of a low-calorie diet for the treatment of obesity-related disorders. However, lean individuals who are adopting a low-carbohydrate diet could expect an increase in LDL cholesterol.
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It was suggested that in patients who would benefit from a low-carbohydrate diet but who experience increased LDL cholesterol, treatment with statin medications may be considered. But the team acknowledged that more research on the subject is needed.
However, previous studies have shown that low carbohydrate diets can help with weight loss and control blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels and are thinking about adapting your diet you should speak to your GP for advice.
To lower cholesterol levels, the NHS advises eating less saturated fat and more oily fish, olive oil, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables.
Source: bing.com
