Low-Fat Beats Low-Carb for Heart Health

Most of us are thinking of cutting back on the carbs; the holidays are over and it is now time to think about our health. For people with high blood pressure, it is even more important to reduce our fat intake; it may be key to protecting the heart. According to a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension, a low-fat diet is more effective than a low-carbohydrate diet in reducing the risk of developing hypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis.

When the two types of diets were compared in apparently healthy participants, the low-fat diet was the winner at improving blood pressure markers, such as blood flow in the arteries. This led the researchers to conclude that low-fat diets “may confer greater cardiovascular protection” than low-carb diets.

The low-fat diet is a diet that consists of little fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol: "with high intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, moderate intake of legumes, nuts and low-fat dairy products and low intake of red and processed meats and sodium" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-fat_diet

If you are thinking of cutting back on carbohydrate in your diet - here is a good place to consult: http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/gettingstarted.htm

Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Personal Training/Kinesiologist, Workshops
www.gaiaadventures.com

Snowshoe Hollyburn with Women Saturday February 11