Low carb vegetarian diet is a good choice for health

Summarized by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist
June 19, 2009

Summary

The high animal protein consumption in the low carb Atkins-style diet may have a detrimental effect on heart disease risk by raising cholesterol levels. Researchers have carried out a comparison of a vegetarian version of the diet, replacing meat with vegetable protein like soya, against a conventional low fat diet. In both cases, participants lost about 4 kilograms in weight. But in the 'eco-Atkins' diet, blood cholesterol profile was also improved, which should have an added benefit on heart health.

Introduction

The Atkins diet is famous for its emphasis upon a low carbohydrate intake and high input of animal protein including meat and eggs. Many nutritional experts frown at the latter aspect of the eating plan, being concerned that it may have an adverse impact on cholesterol levels. Comparisons of different dietary approaches are valuable in informing us about food choices for keeping to a healthy weight - so the current study, comparing an adaptation of the Atkins diet with a conventional low fat diet is particularly interesting.

What was done

Researchers at the University of Toronto, Canada studied a group of 47 overweight individuals of whom 44 completed the study. They were assigned to either the 'eco-Atkins' plan or a low fat diet. In the former, 26% of total calories came from carbohydrate and they also ate high-vegetable protein foods like soy, nuts, gluten, fruit and vegetables and vegetable oils. The low fat group consumed 58% carbohydrate, 16% protein and 25% fat. Food was provided to make up just 60% of calorie requirements. They followed the diets for four weeks.

What was found

As expected, all participants lost weight - an average of about four kilograms (enough to make a significant improvement in health). Those in the eco-Atkins group had greater reductions in LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol - the 'bad' kind) and in total cholesterol than those on the low fat diet. They also had greater reductions in blood pressure.

What this study means

The health benefits of a diet rich in nuts, fruit and vegetables are well known - this is the basis of the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterreanean ('heart healthy') diets. This study compares the impact of low and high carb approaches to diet and also adapts the Atkins diet for vegetarians. The result is a healthy diet that leads to both weight loss and the added benefit of improved cholesterol profile.

Source

• Jenkins DJA, Wong JMW et al The effect of a plant-based low-carbohydrate ('Eco-Atkins') diet on body weight and blood lipid concentrations in hyperlipidemic subjects Archives of Internal Medicine June 8 2009;169:1046-1054'